Bone Grafting for Implants
Do I have enough bone for dental implants?
After tooth extraction, if the walls of the socket are very thick, they will usually fill naturally with bone in two to three months. However, when the walls of your socket are very thin (such as in your upper and lower front teeth), this type of healing will not be as predictable. In these situations, a bone graft is often placed at the time of tooth extraction to help your body fill in the empty socket with bone. This step will maintain the width and volume of bone you will need for implant placement several months later.
1. Inadequate Bone
2. Graft Material Placed
3. Implants Placed
There may be inadequate bone for implant placement if your tooth was removed many years ago and your bony ridge is extremely thin. In this case, a bone graft can be placed next to the thin bone and allowed to heal for up to six months. After the graft has fused to your pre-existing bone, the ridge will be re-entered and the implant placed. Bone grafting is usually a relatively comfortable office procedure. Many different bone-grafting materials are available, including your own bone.
1. Inadequate Bone
2. Graft Material and Implant Placed
You may also need bone grafting if the sinus cavities in your upper jaw are very large, or very low, and extend into the tooth-bearing areas. This often occurs when teeth in the back of a person’s upper jaw have been removed many years before, and the amount of bone available for implant placement is limited. A “sinus grafting procedure” is then required. Most often, it is performed in the office with local anesthesia and perhaps sedation. During this procedure, the membrane that lines the sinus will be located and elevated. Bone will then be added to restore the bone height and ensure that dental implants of an adequate length can be placed. This procedure often can be performed at the time of implant placement.
For more information about Bone Grafting for Implants or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nelson or Dr. Wells, call our Denver office.
Nelson & Wells Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
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I needed to have a molar extracted, before the extraction I was told the procedure would take half an hour and it did. I took tylenol for a day or so and today it's been a week since surgery and my sutures have dissolved and no pain at all! The staff was friendly and considerate, Dr Wells thoroughly explained everything. Dr. Wells and his staff made the experience as pleasant as it could be.
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My son was having his wisdom teeth removed, the staff was very friendly and the oral surgery lasted less than an hour. After the oral surgery the information given to me for post operation was very helpful. Thank you to the staff and the doctor for taking good care of my son.
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For more information about Bone Grafting for Implants or to schedule a consultation with Drs. Nelson or Wells, call our Denver office.