Bone Grafting

Treatment for Bone Loss

Bone loss in the jaw or face can create a variety of problems and is often caused by facial trauma or congenital defects. A bone graft is an effective treatment that restores and repairs lost bone in these areas. It is often used prior to receiving dental implants to give the implants a solid foundation.

At Shawn B. Davis, DMD, Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, Dr. Davis is dedicated to bringing better smiles to every patient and restoring optimal oral health. To learn more about bone grafting and determine whether it’s the right option for you, contact our office in St. George, UT today.

Understanding How a Bone Graft Works

A bone graft strengthens the jaw by placing grafting materials in the area that needs more bone. By using grafting materials obtained from sources like donated tissue (allografts), animal tissue (xenografts), synthetic materials (alloplastic grafts), or a patient’s body tissue (autografts), grafts trigger the production of new bone cells to replace the grafting material and result in a healthier bone.

Often used to create a foundation for dental implants, a bone graft strengthens the jaw and allows for the implants to be surgically implanted into a solid base. Aside from its usefulness in preparing for dental implants, a bone graft also restores oral and maxillofacial structure and functionality.

Types of Bone Grafting Treatments

Using 3D scans, Dr. Davis can comprehensively assess your oral health, evaluate your facial structure, look for hidden oral health concerns, and assist in developing a custom course of treatment tailored to address your needs and goals. If you are a candidate for dental implants, Dr. Davis may recommend a bone graft if your jaw requires extra support for the implant.

Ridge Augmentation

The alveolar ridge—the bony ridge that supports teeth—can be rebuilt through a ridge augmentation by rebuilding bone that may have been eroded by tooth loss to give your jaw a better foundation for dental implants.

Sinus Lift

To create more bone height in the upper jaw, the sinus wall may be gently lifted and allow for the insertion of a bone graft. This creates a strong foundation for dental implant placement.

Socket Preservation

Socket preservation maintains a socket’s size and shape following a tooth extraction and prevents bone loss, preserving its structural integrity. Socket preservation is also a great way to maintain space for the future placement of a dental implant.

Major Bone Grafting

To treat large skeletal defects, Dr. Davis may recommend a major bone graft. Defects are often caused by trauma, tumors, diseases, surgery, or congenital defects. For a major bone graft, the bone used is most often derived from the patient’s body including bone from the hip, knee, or skull. This procedure typically involves hospitalization.