Bone Grafting

Thick, healthy bone is a necessity for a long-lasting dental implant. If the jaw bone has been damaged or lacks the volume to support an implant, a bone graft procedure is a proven way to bring the surgical sight up to par. Dr. Burchard & Dr. Pierce may recommend bone grafting when replacing lost bone structure and encouraging the growth of new bone is imperative in preparation for your dental implant.

The type of bone that will be used for your bone graft can vary according to your individual circumstances:

• Autogenous bone graft – This grafting technique utilizes bone that has been sourced from another location within your own body, such as the chin, the pelvis, or the back of the jaw.
• Allograft – Synthetic grafting material that has been produced in a laboratory and cadaver bone and tissue that has been sourced from a bone and tissue banks are viable alternatives to your own.
• Xenograft – Bone and tissue that has been harvested from cows, horses or pigs have been used safely in a number of surgical procedures as an alternative to autogenous or Allograft materials.

Bone grafting is the ideal technique when it is necessary to bolster the health of a proposed implant site. However, Dr. Burchard & Dr. Pierce will use clinical expertise to determine exactly how the additional bone will be used:

• Sinus lift – In preparation for an implant in the upper jaw, the bottom of the sinus may need to be lifted and the floor of the sinus thickened with bone grafting material in order to create enough space for the implant post. This step ensures that the bone is deep enough and dense enough to accommodate the length of the implant.
• Ridge augmentation – When the width or thickness of the jaw bone is too thin, or when the shape of the bone is irregular, a bone graft is the best way to add volume and symmetry.

Whether you plan to move forward with a dental implant today or in the future, augmenting the implant location with a bone graft as soon as possible is the recommended way to ensure that your implant will be placed on a solid foundation.

Call to schedule your consultation today: (918) 748-8868.