Why would I need a bone graft?

Most often to create a stable base for dental implants where the jawbone lacks the necessary quality or quantity. Grafting is also used to halt the progression of gum disease, to fill ridges caused by trauma or severe periodontal disease, and to improve the appearance of the jaw line.

Where does the grafting material come from?

There are three options. An autogenous graft uses bone from elsewhere in your own body, typically the chin or jaw. An allograft uses synthetic bone made in a laboratory or bone from a bone bank. A xenograft uses bovine bone, which is safe, readily available, and avoids a second surgical site.

Is bone grafting a major operation?

It is a fairly simple procedure that can be performed under local anaesthetic. A small incision is made in the gum, the grafting material is placed at the site, and the gum is sutured. A follow-up appointment is made within 10 days to assess progress.

How long before I can have an implant placed?

Several months of healing are required so the graft can integrate before implants are placed. The exact interval depends on the size of the graft and how you heal, and it is set out for you at the planning stage.

Restorative Dentistry

Bone Grafting & Ridge Modification in Stockton, CA

Bone grafting replaces lost bone tissue and encourages natural bone growth, most often to create a stable base where dental implants are planned.

Request an Appointment (209) 951-3436

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of bone loss in the oral cavity, though there are others, ill-fitting dentures and facial trauma among them. Bone grafting is the procedure that replaces what has been lost.

Why a graft may be needed

Dental implants. Implants need to be firmly anchored to the jawbone to be effective. If the jawbone lacks the necessary quality or quantity of bone, grafting can strengthen and thicken the implant site.
Sinus lift. Elevating the sinus membrane and grafting bone onto the sinus floor so implants can be securely placed in the upper jaw.
Ridge augmentation. Filling in ridges in the bone caused by trauma, injury, birth defects or severe periodontal disease.
Nerve repositioning. Where the inferior alveolar nerve requires movement to allow implant placement.

A treatment room with an overhead operating light, a wall-mounted monitor and a bright abstract painting.

Types of bone graft

Autogenous graft. Bone is taken from elsewhere in the body and implanted in the mouth. Donor sites include the chin or jaw; where larger quantities are needed, the hip or tibia may be used.
Allograft. Synthetic bone created in a laboratory, or bone obtained from a bone bank.
Xenograft. Bovine bone, which is safe, readily available, and avoids the need for a second donor site on the patient.

What the procedure involves

Bone grafting is a fairly simple procedure that can be performed under local anaesthetic. A small incision is made in the gum tissue, which is gently separated from the bone, and the grafting material is placed at the affected site. The gum is sutured in place, and a follow-up appointment is made within 10 days to assess progress.

Helping the graft take

Bone regeneration can be assisted in several ways. Membranes placed below the gum line create space for healthy tissue to grow, separating faster-growing gum tissue from slower-growing fibres. Enamel matrix proteins such as Emdogain mediate the formation of cementum and support periodontal attachment. Platelet-rich growth factors create a blood clot at the wound site and stimulate bone growth, producing a denser graft in a shorter period.

Ridge modification

Ridge modification treats deformities in the upper and lower jaws that result from periodontal disease, trauma, injury, denture wear or developmental problems. Such defects can leave insufficient bone for implant placement, along with an unattractive indentation in the jaw line beside the missing teeth.

During the procedure the gum is lifted away from the ridge to fully expose the bony defect. The defect is filled with graft material that helps regenerate lost bone, or with a bone substitute. The incision is closed, and several months of healing follow.

Ridge modification improves both the appearance and the functionality of the mouth, and the prospect of enjoying dental implants for many years.

Guidance on preparing for and recovering from surgery is on our post-operative instructions page. To discuss a graft, request an appointment or call (209) 951-3436.

Recovery and what comes next

Grafting is almost always a step toward something else, usually dental implants. Planning typically involves i-CAT 3D imaging to assess bone volume before and after.

Because periodontal disease is the leading cause of bone loss in the mouth, treating gum disease is part of protecting the result.

Request an appointment to discuss a graft, or call (209) 951-3436. Dr. Van Sicklen will explain what is involved and what it is building toward before anything is scheduled.

Questions patients ask

Why would I need a bone graft?: Most often to create a stable base for dental implants where the jawbone lacks the necessary quality or quantity. Grafting is also used to halt the progression of gum disease, to fill ridges caused by trauma or severe periodontal disease, and to improve the appearance of the jaw line.
Where does the grafting material come from?: There are three options. An autogenous graft uses bone from elsewhere in your own body, typically the chin or jaw. An allograft uses synthetic bone made in a laboratory or bone from a bone bank. A xenograft uses bovine bone, which is safe, readily available, and avoids a second surgical site.
Is bone grafting a major operation?: It is a fairly simple procedure that can be performed under local anaesthetic. A small incision is made in the gum, the grafting material is placed at the site, and the gum is sutured. A follow-up appointment is made within 10 days to assess progress.
How long before I can have an implant placed?: Several months of healing are required so the graft can integrate before implants are placed. The exact interval depends on the size of the graft and how you heal, and it is set out for you at the planning stage.

Ready to get started?

Much of your first visit is spent explaining your individual treatment and getting to know you, so you can make a decision you feel good about.

Request an Appointment (209) 951-3436