Bone Block Grafting

When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone shrinks, or resorbs, as a natural physiological response. Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.

Today, we have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.

Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease or injuries. The bone is obtained from elsewhere in your jaw and fixed to the defect site with a small screw. This is allowed to heal for three to five months. During this time the block of bone fuses with the underlying bone, rebuilding the jaw width and height so allowing subsequent implant placement.

Picture shows a lower front jaw with missing teeth and inadequate bone for implant placement.

Pictures shows a block of bone taken from an adjacent area (donor site) and placed in the deficient site that needs more bone for implant placement. The bone is screwed into place. The screws will be removed eventually. The donor site will eventually fill in with bone again.