Bone Grafts 101

When it comes to preparing for dental implants, some patients may require extra treatment. At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, Dr. Snehal Patel and his team specialize in helping patients achieve long-lasting restorations through preliminary bone grafts.

What is Bone Grafting?

Dental bone grafts are used to recreate or reinforce bone in the jaw. There are different types of bone grafts, each which target a unique part of the bone structure. Among the most common and most effective bone graft procedures are

• Sinus lifts, which raise the height of the bone on the upper jaw
• Ridge expansion, which uses bone grafts to improve the structure of the jaw where the sockets sit, also known as the bone ridge.
• Socket preservation, during which sockets of extracted teeth are filled with material to prevent reabsorption into the jaw.

Why would I Need Bone Graft?

The jaw bone is the foundation of your smile and dental function. Your jaw is greatly affected by your oral health. Periodontal disease, misaligned bite, and cavities can all negatively affect the health of underlying bone. These conditions can cause the bone in the jaw to shrink. As the bone shrinks, the jaw fails to provide sufficient support for remaining teeth, which may fall out.

Bone grafts are especially beneficial for patients looking to improve their smile with dental implants. Since the implant post is surgically inserted into the jaw, the bone must be strong enough to support the post and the restoration. Patients with insufficient bone quality may require bone grafting procedures prior to implant placement, to ensure that their restoration is successful and long lasting.

What materials are used in bone grafts?

The materials used in dental bone grafts fall into three classes, based on how they are integrated into the bone.

• Autogenous bone grafts utilize the patient’s bone taken from another part of the body. Because the bone is from the patient’s body, autogenous bone grafts encourage bone growth and have a high integration success rate.
• Allogenic bone grafts are dental grafts taken from a donor. As the bone contains no live cellular activity, allogenic bone grafts serve as framework around which the patient’s existing bone can grow.
• Xenogenic bone grafts are taken from a non-living, non-human species. Similar to allogenic bone grafts, xenogenic bone grafts provide a foundation for the patient’s bone to regenerate around. Both allogenic and xenogenic bones undergo extensive preparation to minimize rejection when placed in the jaw.

In addition to these bone-based materials, synthetic bone grafts can also be used as a safe and successful alternative to actual bone. These include demineralized bone matrices, graft composites, and bone morphogenetic proteins.

Bone Grafts in Northern Virginia

At Lorton Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, our dental team specializes in providing patients with exceptional dental care. For more information on our bone grafting options and dental implant procedures, contact our Lorton and Springfield practices today.