Bone Grafting

Bone Grafting in South Ogden & Kaysville Areas

At Cassity & Legacy Implants and Periodontics, we can help to restore your smile after tooth loss with the use of dental implants. Implants are the newest restoration option available. Unlike bridges, partial dentures, or full dentures, which sit outside of your jaw, implants involve the surgical procedure of placing titanium rods into your jawbone. They provide a permanent, natural-looking solution that is stable, more comfortable, and won't slip out of place while you talk or eat. Implants also prevent bone loss, which happens naturally when you lose your teeth, keeping the integrity and shape of your jaw intact. In order for implants to be stable, strong, and ultimately successful, you need to have sufficient bone mass, to begin with. If upon your first consultation, we find that you do not have enough mass, this doesn't automatically rule you out for the procedure; you just need another procedure first. In order to become eligible for implants, you must first have a bone graft.

Why Is Bone Lost When You Lose Teeth?

Your teeth are planted in your jaw. In order for them to stay firmly in place, your jawbone needs to be strong. When you chew, the roots of your teeth stimulate the bone and send a message to your body that nutrients should be sent. When you lose your teeth, there is no more stimulation. Therefore, your body stops sending as many essential nutrients to that area. Over time, the lack of nutrition causes the bone to become weak.

What Is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a surgical procedure that takes bone from one area of your body and places in the area in your jaw where the bone is weak. The donor site (where the new bone mass is taken from) is usually your hip or tibia. Since the bone mass is taken from your own body, the risk of rejection is eliminated. However, this does mean that you will have a second surgical site. In some instances, we may determine that you require donor bone mass from another individual, which means only one surgical site, but there is a slight chance for rejection. There are a few different types of bone grafts:

Autogenous bone grafts

Bone is taken from somewhere else in your body. The bone is living, which means that it will encourage new growth.

Allogeneic bone grafts

The bone is taken from a donor. The bone is dead, which means no new growth will be encouraged. The donor bone mass is only meant to fill a void.

Xenogeneic bone grafts

Bone mass is taken from another species. The bone is processed at high temperatures to reduce the risk of rejection or infection. Again, it cannot encourage new growth, only fill a space for your existing bone to grow around.

Demineralized bone grafts

Available in several forms (chips, putty, injectable gels) these grafts contain proteins, collagen, and growth factors from an allograph bone.

We understand that there is a lot to think about, and all of your options will be discussed at your consultation.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Grafting

Before we do the procedure, we will first use a cone beam CT scan to garner a three-dimensional image of your mouth. This will enable us to plan a course of action. On the day of your graft, you will first receive anesthesia, usually in the form of an IV. A local anesthetic will be administered to both the donor (if your own bone is being used) and recipient (where the bone will be grafted) sites. Incisions are made and donor bone mass is removed. It is then placed in the affected area of the jaw and screwed into place, to hold it firmly as it fuses. Then the incisions are stitched closed. After you have healed, the screws can be removed and the implant procedure can begin.

Bone grafts are an excellent way to prepare your mouth for successful Dental Implants. Contact Cassity & Legacy Implants and Periodontics right away at South Ogden: 385-835-3630 or Kaysville: 385-786-9652 to schedule your consultation!