Bone Grafting

Sometimes, bone grafting is necessary for dental implants when there is not enough bone in the jaw to securely hold the implant. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area can begin to shrink or resorb over time because it is no longer being stimulated by the tooth root. This bone loss can also be caused by gum disease, injury, or infection. Without adequate bone volume and density, an implant cannot be placed successfully. In these cases, a bone graft is performed to rebuild the jawbone and create a stable foundation for the implant. The grafting material, which can be from a variety of sources, acts as a scaffold for your body's natural bone to grow into.

Depending on the amount of bone needed, the bone graft can sometimes be performed at the same time as the implant placement. This is often the case when only a small amount of grafting is required. If a more extensive amount of bone is needed, the graft is typically done as a separate procedure, and the patient must wait for a period of several months for the bone to heal and mature before the implant can be placed.

This is a very common technique used to regenerate bone in areas where there is a small defect or where the bone is too thin. GBR involves placing a bone graft material, often in a granular form, at the site of the bone loss. The graft is then covered with a protective barrier membrane that prevents the faster-growing gum tissue from growing into the space. This allows the slower-growing bone cells to fill the area, creating a solid foundation for the implant. GBR is frequently done at the same time as implant placement.

Block bone grafting is a more extensive procedure used when there is a significant amount of bone loss, especially in cases where the jawbone is too narrow or short for implant placement. In this technique, a small, solid block of bone is secured to the deficient area of the jaw with tiny screws. Over several months, the body's natural bone will grow and fuse with the block, creating a new, stable section of bone. The implants are placed in a separate appointment once the graft has fully healed.

The upper back jaw often lacks sufficient bone for implants due to the presence of the maxillary sinuses, which are air-filled spaces above the back teeth. A sinus graft, or sinus lift, is a procedure specifically designed to add bone in this area.

• Internal Sinus Grafts: This is a less invasive technique used when a small amount of bone is needed. The dentist gently taps the sinus membrane upward from inside the implant site, and a bone graft material is placed in the newly created space. This can often be done at the same time as implant placement.
  
• External Sinus Grafts: This is used when a greater amount of bone is needed. The surgeon creates a small "window" in the bone from the side of the jaw to access the sinus. The sinus membrane is carefully lifted, and a bone graft material is packed into the space beneath it. This procedure is usually done several months before implant placement to allow for extensive healing.

 Gum grafting is occasionally needed around dental implants to ensure the long-term health and aesthetics of the implant site. If the gum tissue around an implant is thin or insufficient, it can lead to gum recession, exposing parts of the implant and making it vulnerable to inflammation and infection. A gum graft involves taking a small piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth or a donor source and surgically placing it around the implant. This procedure increases the thickness and volume of the gum tissue, providing a strong biological seal that protects the implant and improves the appearance of the restoration.