Bone Grafting

BONE GRAFTING

The purpose of a bone graft is to build sufficient bone in a patient’s jaw so that it can support a dental implant. Dr. Jackson places bone grafts in various parts of a patient’s jawbone, including tooth extraction sockets (socket grafting) or near the sinuses in the upper jaw (sinus lift), to increase bone volume and density for a dental implant.

smiling couple

BONE GRAFTING

The purpose of a bone graft is to build sufficient bone in a patient’s jaw so that it can support a dental implant. Dr. Jackson places bone grafts in various parts of a patient’s jawbone, including tooth extraction sockets (socket grafting) or near the sinuses in the upper jaw (sinus lift), to increase bone volume and density for a dental implant.

When Bone Grafting Is Necessary

In order for a patient to receive a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, there must be enough supporting bone in the patient’s jaw. However, a patient may experience gradual bone loss in his/her jawbone due to chronic infection or longstanding absence of teeth (disuse atrophy). In such patients, Dr. Jackson can perform bone grafting. The purpose of a bone graft is to build sufficient bone in a patient’s jaw so that it can support a dental implant. Dr. Jackson can place bone grafts in various parts of a patient’s jawbone, including tooth extraction sockets (socket grafting) or near the sinuses in the upper jaw (sinus lift), to increase bone volume and density for a dental implant.

Socket Grafting

When bone graft is placed in to a tooth extraction site, it is known as a Socket Graft. Dr. Jackson often places a socket graft into the site of a tooth extraction in order maximize the available bone for a future dental implant. The bone graft is covered by a membrane and secured with sutures. The socket graft heals for 3 to 6 months so that it can become solid bone. Dr. Jackson then takes a three-dimensional conebeam radiograph to determine the amount of dense bone that has formed. Finally, Dr. Jackson selects the proper size dental implant for surgical placement.

Sinus Lift

Another common bone grafting procedure performed by Dr. Jackson is the sinus lift. This procedure involves increasing the volume and density of bone in the upper jaw near the sinuses. It takes 6 to 10 months for the sinus lift graft to become solid bone. Dr. Jackson then takes a three-dimensional conebeam radiograph to determine the amount of dense bone that has formed. Finally, Dr. Jackson selects the proper size dental implant for surgical placement.

Benefits of Bone Grafting

Bone grafting procedures have greatly improved the success rates of dental implants while also extending the opportunity of dental implants to patients who otherwise would not be able to receive them due to lack of adequate bone. If you suffer from tooth loss and/or bone deterioration in your jaw, we invite you to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Jackson. Utilizing the latest surgical procedures and technology, Dr. Jackson can help restore your smile and improve your quality of life!