Bone Grafting
Major & Minor Bone Grafting
When an adult tooth is removed and not replaced, jaw bone deterioration may occur. Natural teeth are embedded in the jaw bone and stimulate the jaw bone through activities such as chewing and biting. When teeth are missing, the underlying bone no longer receives the necessary stimulation to renew itself and begins to break down, or resorb.
The rate that the bone deteriorates, as well as the amount of bone loss that occurs, varies greatly among individuals. However, most loss occurs within the first eighteen months following the extraction and will continue gradually throughout your life.
Missing teeth over a period of time can cause your jaw bone to atrophy, or resorb. This often results in poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for the placement of dental implants as well as long term shifting of remaining teeth and changes to facial structure. Most patients, in these situations, are not candidates for dental implants
In many cases, there are grafting techniques to provide adequate bone to place implants. Our surgeons will discuss your individual situation and the various options that are available to restore esthetics and function.