Dentist in San Diego

Understanding the BoneGraft Procedure

Bone Grafts in dentistry are indicated in a variety of situations.  Some are utilized to fill defects of bone loss around one or more teeth as a result of periodontal or gum disease.  Some are used when a patient has lost one or multiple teeth and has not replaced the missing tooth/teeth with dental implant(s). Bone grafts are then utilized to not only repair, but to regenerate some or all of the lost bony supporting structures.  They can also save natural teeth which have lost their bony support and are getting loose.  Bone grafts can also secure dental implants, if inadequate jaw bone exists to hold one or more dental implants in their proper positions.  Certain periodontal and oral surgical procedures and techniques are available to skilled clinicians that can successfully repair, regenerate and augment a deficient jaw bone. 

Bone grafts come in 4 different types: 

1.  Some are taken from the patients own jaw or hip and are named the donor tissue.  Both of which are very simple painless procedures to obtain by skilled clinicians.  This type of bone graft is called  AUTOGENOUS BONE or AUTOGRAFTS.  These are the best type of bone grafts as they are the most compatible with the patient and thus are the most predictable with a great result.  This type of bone grafts are normally taken during patients procedure whether periodontal or dental implant.  Majority of our bone grafting procedures are done in conjunction with immediate dental implant placement.  This shortens the patient dental surgical visits as well as minimizes the healing time. 

2.  Some bone grafts come from human donors.  These are people who have donated their bodies to be utilized after their death to improve the life of the others. These can represent one of the greatest gifts you can ever give. The bone obtained in this manner will then undergo vigorous tests and sterilization techniques.  This type of bone graft is called ALLOGRAFT.  Once allografts are used in bony defects they will eventually be replaced by patients own bone over a period of 9 to 12 months. There are times when the donor bone tissue from the patient is not sufficient, so a mixture of autogenous and allografts are utilized in dental surgical procedures.   

3. The third kind of bone grafts are harvested from animals.  The bone from animals are most commonly come from bovine (cow bone) and are processed and sterilized to become bio compatible.  This type of bone graft is called XENOGRAFT.   Xenografts can also be used with the other two bone combinations. 

4:  The fourth kind of bone grafts are artificial bone which are from man made synthetic materials and are called ALLOPLASTS. The most common artificial bone is made out of calcium phosphate which closely resembles our own bone. They can be resorbable and non-resorbable types.  In either case, the end result is to create enough bone to place dental implants.  Alloplasts are not commonly used for simple procedures and are mainly reserved for major jaw operations in which they work as a lattice for new bone formation.

San Diego Dentist for Bone Grafts

At our office, we take careful consideration as what type of bone would be the most beneficial for each individual case type and procedure.  With careful treatment planning our goal is to minimize our patients' appointment time and discomfort while achieving the best result with the most beautiful SMILE OUTCOME. Many of our satisfied patients are enjoying their full smile with natural looking teeth complementing their facial features.  No more sunken cheeks and aging appearance as a result of bone loss due to tooth or teeth loss.  All can be prevented by proper diagnosis and treatment planning to not only restore your lost teeth and bone , but to restore your overall facial fullness and youth.

Contact a San Diego Dentist at our office today if you are in need of a bone graft for a brighter, more beautiful smile!