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Bone Grafting Reconstruction

Dental implants have become the standard of care to replace missing teeth and help prevent osteoporosis by preserving the jaw and facial bones. While prevention is always better than reconstruction, there are times where bone is already lost and options are limited.  In such cases, patients may be told that dental implants are “not an option.”  However, in the vast majority of cases, options do exist for an oral surgeon to reconstruct the upper and lower jawbones. This then allows dental implants to be placed, and facial form and function dramatically improved. 

       Currently, bone grafting is the most common method of reconstructing the upper and lower jawbones (maxilla and mandible).  However, technology is continuously improving and developing, and methods to “grow new bone” are currently being used by oral surgeons and will likely become more common in the future. 

       Bone grafting sounds scary and is intimidating.  However, an understanding of the options, the process, costs, the variables, and how it applies to you can provide comfort, decrease anxiety, and help facilitate your making decisions which are best for you.

When discussing bone grafting, the most common question patients ask the oral surgeon is “Where will the bone come from?”  That is an excellent question, and options likely exist.  Generally speaking, bone can either come from your own body, from another source, or from a combination of sources. 

       Bone that comes from your body is referred to as an “autogenous” bone.  There are multiple locations where bone can be taken from your own body.  Each location has different advantages, disadvantages, and uses.  A main factor in determining the location is how much bone is needed to accomplish the desired reconstruction.  Another major factor affecting location is what type of bone is needed.  Types of bone include cortical bone (plates or blocks of bone), cancellous bone (particles of bone or bone marrow), and combinations of both.             

       Bone that comes from another person is referred to as an “allograft.”  Such bone has the advantage of not requiring another surgical site on your body.  However, allograft bone must be treated to decrease disease transmission and rejection potentials.  Bone may also come from another species in which case it is referred to as a “xenograft.”  The most common example used is bovine bone.  Options may also exist to use “synthetic,” or man-made substitutes which are not truly bone.

       Bone grafting and reconstruction may consist of a minor procedure only, or may require a major intervention.  To have your specific needs assessed, options reviewed, and more education regarding your particular case, please contact us schedule an examination and consultation.