Major and Minor Bone Grafting

Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is re-absorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.


Major Bone Grafting

Bone grafting can repair implant sites, which may have inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease or injuries. In such cases, bone will either be obtained from a tissue bank or from your own bone taken from the jaw, hip or tibia (below the knee). Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum and protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.


Sinus lift procedure


The sinus graft makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants when years ago their only option may have only been wearing loose dentures.

If enough bone between the upper jaw ridge and the bottom of the sinus is available to stabilize the implant well, a sinus augmentation and implant placement can sometimes be performed as a single procedure. If not enough bone is available, the sinus augmentation will have to be performed first, then the graft will have to mature for several months, depending upon the type of graft material used. Once the graft has matured, the implants can be placed.

Ridge Expansion




Typically, we remove an outer section of the cheek side of the lower jawbone in order to expose the nerve and vessel canal. Then we isolate the nerve and vessel bundle in that area, slightly pull the bundle out to the side and place the implants. Then the bundle is released and placed back over the implants. The surgical access is refilled with bone graft material of the surgeon’s choice and the area is closed.?These procedures may be performed separately or together, depending upon the individual’s condition.


