Bone Grafting

With time, the jawbone shrinks and resorbs after teeth are removed. This may cause an inadequate amount of bone to accommodate dental implants or support other dental restorations. Other causes of bone loss include injury, tumors, congenital (birth) defects, and infection (including long-standing gum disease). Bone grafting can rebuild and augment the lost bone.  Bone grafting is often performed in the operating room and may require an overnight hospital stay. The bone graft is placed into the bony defect of the jaw to restore the height and width of the jawbone.  An adequate healing period (approximately 6-9 months) is then required prior to implant placement. We offer the following types of bone grafting surgery:

• Ridge Augmentation Surgery
  
• Sinus Lift Surgery
  
• Socket Preservation Surgery
  

The best results in bone grafting are achieved with the use of the autologous bone that is harvested from your own body. The bone graft can be harvested from the jaw, chin, lower leg or hip. Newer technologies, including Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP), can be used to improve the results of bone grafts. Barriers are sometimes used to cover the grafting material to promote healing. This prevents the gums and soft tissue from growing into the bone graft while it is healing.

Bone grafting materials commonly used are:

• Autogenous Bone (your own bone)
• Allogenic Bone (Cadaver bone)
• Xenograft (cow bone)
• Synthetic

After the bone graft is placed, the gums are put back over the treated site and stitched in place. During the next six to nine months, your body fills this area with new bone.

Contact Us for More Information About Bone Grafting Today

Please contact us for information about bone grafting or if you would like to arrange a consultation appointment you can call us at (604) 532-9686or submit your info into our online contact form.

“Excellence in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery”