Bone Grafts

A bone graft may be a necessary solution for a patient who does not have enough jawbone to properly secure a dental implant. Although our jawbone is extremely strong, sometimes certain factors can wear it down. Tooth loss, without replacement, can gradually cause the bone to recede, resulting in a change in facial shape and the structure of the jaw. Gum disease can also lead to bone loss.

There are four materials commonly used in a bone graft for the jaw, and one or more materials could be used in a graft.

Autograft takes bone from one part of your oral cavity, often the chin, and places it in another part. This method typically heals the fastest and has the highest success rate since it uses your own bone for the process.

Allograft uses material obtained from cadavers. The material is thoroughly sanitized and sterilized and is easily absorbed and accepted by your body.

Xenograft, also called a xenogenic bone graft, is a method where the material is obtained from cows. Although from a different species, the material is well received by human bodies resulting in a high success rate.

Alloplast is a method that uses synthetic materials that are designed for and accepted by the human body.

Whichever material you and your dentist decide on, the material will first be placed in with screws until the material fuses with the bone, and then you're ready to have your implant placed! It may seem like a long process to go through for a dental implant, but it is so important to give that implant a strong foundation so it can function for years to come! We will make the process as quick and painless as possible, and the results will be beautiful, strong, and long-lasting.