Bone Grafting for Implants
Do I have enough bone for dental implants? Dr. Egolum specializes in advanced socket preservation, ridge augmentation, and sinus lift procedures to create a solid, permanent foundation for your implants.
Do I Have Enough Bone?
After tooth extraction, if the walls of the socket are very thick, they will usually fill naturally with bone in two to three months. However, when the walls of your socket are very thin (such as in your upper and lower front teeth), this type of healing will not be as predictable.
In these situations, a bone graft is often placed at the time of tooth extraction to help your body fill in the empty socket with bone. This step will maintain the width and volume of bone you will need for implant placement several months later.
Socket Preservation
Placed directly into the fresh socket at the moment of tooth extraction. Prevents the bone walls from collapsing inward and maintains the original height and width of your jaw.
Thin Bony Ridge Grafting
There may be inadequate bone if your tooth was removed many years ago and your bony ridge is extremely thin. A bone graft is placed next to the thin bone and heals for up to six months before implant placement.
Sinus Grafting Procedure
Required when upper jaw sinus cavities extend into tooth-bearing zones. Dr. Egolum elevates the sinus membrane and adds bone graft material to restore height for adequate implant length.
Sinus Grafting Details & Comfort
You may also need bone grafting if the sinus cavities in your upper jaw are very large, or very low, and extend into the tooth-bearing areas. This often occurs when teeth in the back of a person’s upper jaw have been removed many years before, and the amount of bone available for implant placement is limited.
A “sinus grafting procedure” is then required. Most often, it is performed in the office with local anesthesia and perhaps sedation. During this procedure, the membrane that lines the sinus will be located and elevated. Bone will then be added to restore the bone height and ensure that dental implants of an adequate length can be placed. This procedure often can be performed at the time of implant placement providing bone height is adequate.
Bone grafting is usually a relatively comfortable office procedure. Many different bone-grafting materials are available, including synthetic materials, biocompatible donor grafts, or using your own natural bone.
Find Out If Bone Grafting Can Restore Your Smile
Schedule a 3D CT scan and surgical assessment with Dr. Egolum at (770) 764-0840.
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