Bone grafting

Bone grafting using a conventional technique requires a few months of integration before an implant can be placed. This duration depends on the extent, nature and material of the bone graft and the implants needed. Bone material placed into the maxillary sinuses (sinus elevation or sinus lift), bone that is predominantly from substitute sources, and bone graft of large volumes, can need more months of integration to ensure it is strong for implants.

Bone material for the graft can be taken from another area in the jaw (usually from the back of the lower jaw near where wisdom teeth grow, or at the front above the chin) and attached to the deficient area. This is called an “autograft”. Alternatively, bone can be sourced from “allograft” tissue, that is bone derived from human donors, or a substitute bone derived from either synthetic (alloplast) or animal (xenograft) sources. We would recommend what types of bone grafts may be most suited to your case.

Bone that is grafted can be in the form of a block, ring, in small pieces, or in a particulate mash. It may involve the placement of a membrane (usually made of collagen) over the grafted material, to guide bone regeneration and to protect it from invasion by the gum. Sometimes, soft tissue (in the form of gum or connective tissue) may also be needed to strengthen and thicken the gum in preparation for, or after, a bone graft, to ensure optimal results for the graft and dental implants.