Bone Augmentation (Bone Grafting)

For dental implants to be successful, the jawbone must have enough bone to support them.  Tooth loss often leads to more loss of bone over time.  The tooth loss may be caused by:

• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Dental caries (cavities) and infection
• Injury or Trauma
• A defect in development

If the bone under your gum tissue is not tall enough, not wide enough, or both, you will need a procedure to add bone to your jaw before implants can be placed.

Bone augmentation is a term that describes a variety of procedures used to “build” bone so that dental implants can be placed.  These procedures typically involve grafting (adding bone) or bonelike material to the jaw. The graft can be your own bone or be processed bone (bone in a bottle).  After grafting, you will have to wait 4 months before implants can be placed.

Your surgeon will speak to you about all you options in your consultation.