Bone Graft Surgery

Tooth extraction, bone loss and use of removable appliances for a long period time often lead to a decrease in bone volume which makes it impossible to position dental implants in such a way that they can optimally support a dental prosthesis. Alveolar bone defects/deficiencies can be prevented and overcome by surgical placement of bone graft.

Bone has a unique capacity to regenerate itself completely. Bone graft materials are used to facilitate bone formation within a given space by occupying that space and allowing bone growth to take place. They help maintain space under a barrier membrane for bone formation to occur.

Goals of bone graft placement include:

• Restoration of bone ridge contour in the area of a missing tooth
• Correction/elimination of ridge defects
• Reduce postoperative infection, enhancing bone and soft tissue healing
• Prepare alveolar bone ridge for the placement of implants and other dental prosthesis (crowns, bridges, dentures)

Bone Graft Surgery is a surgical procedure that involves placement of the bone graft material on a deficient space which is then covered with a membrane barrier and held in place with sutures. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours with an initial recovery period of two weeks. Natural bone regenerates for a period of 3-6 months, replacing the bone graft material completely, before a dental implant will be placed.