Bone grafting is a type of reconstructive surgery used to restore or rebuild bone in areas of the jaw where it has been lost or damaged. This procedure helps regenerate bone tissue and strengthen the jaw, improving both function and structure.
Bone grafting may be recommended to address bone defects caused by:
- Congenital conditions or developmental issues
- Facial trauma or injury
- Tumor removal or other surgical procedures
- Tooth loss that has led to bone resorption in the jaw
Minor Bone Grafting
The most common form of bone grafting involves rebuilding areas of the upper or lower jaw to provide a stable foundation for dental implants.
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone naturally begins to deteriorate over time. Without adequate bone mass, implant placement may not be possible. A bone graft can restore lost bone volume and density, making future implant placement viable and successful.
In many cases, these minor grafting procedures can be performed right in our office. Your oral surgeon may use bone material from your own body, a donor source, or a synthetic substitute to stimulate natural bone regeneration. Once the graft has healed—typically within 4 to 6 months—it creates a solid base for the placement of dental implants or other restorations.
Major Bone Grafting
For patients with more significant bone loss or congenital jaw defects, a more extensive bone graft may be necessary. These complex procedures are generally performed in a hospital setting. In such cases, grafting material may be taken from areas like the hip or skull to rebuild larger sections of the jaw.
Major bone grafting restores both the form and function of the jaw, creating the support needed for future restorative treatments and improving overall facial structure.