Bone Grafting / Soft Tissue Grafting
- Bone grafting comes in many forms. Most commonly we add bone graft material into extraction sockets in order to preserve as much bone width and height as possible for future restorative options.
- Implants require enough bone volume surrounding the implant to be stable and integrate
- Bridges and dentures are more stable on wider gum/bone tissue than ‘knife edge ridges’. This provides more comfort and less food trapping around the prostheses.
- At times we may need to add bone into the maxillary sinus to gain bone height for implant placement into the upper jaw
- Soft tissue or gum grafting can be used to cover exposed root surfaces due to recession and/or thicken gum tissue around implants.
FAQs
Where does the bone graft material come from?
Bone material can come from a number of sources including synthetic, bovine/porcine (cow or pig), as well as human cadaver bone. These materials have undergone processing and sterilization to be safe for transplantation.
Is bone grafting painful?
No, however it may be uncomfortable for a few days. Bone graft material is a foreign body and as such does generate a slight immune response as it integrates and heals.
Do I really need bone grafting?
Potentially. For implant supported options, the implant must be encases in enough bone to be stable and heal properly. Bone grafting is a way to augment your natural bone if there is not enough.