Bone Grafting
Once a tooth is extracted, the surrounding jawbone begins to atrophy, or "melt away". Significant bone loss begins to take place shortly following tooth extraction. The same type of bone loss often occurs naturally with age as well (Dr. Welch can simulate the process for you on his computer using special software). The bone loss process is similar to erosion of soil on a slope, in that if there are no roots to hold the soil, it washes away. Once a tooth is extracted, the roots that once held the bone are no longer there. Because of resorption, there may not be sufficient bone for placement of dental implants.
We now have the capability to grow bone where it is needed.
Fortunately, we now have the capability to grow bone where it is needed. This does not only allow us to place implants of optimal dimensions, but also restore functionality and esthetic appearance.
Types of Bone Grafts
There are a few types of bone grafts routinely performed in preparation for dental implants:
Ramus Graft: When bone is needed for one to three teeth, we often borrow bone from the lower jaw, back in the wisdom tooth area and transplant it to the site where it is needed for the dental implant. This highly successful and predictable procedure takes about an hour and is performed in the office. After 16 weeks--when the bone has successfully been incorporated into the new site--the implant is placed with a much higher degree of predictability.
Sinus lift: The bone of our upper jaw comes in close contact with our maxillary sinus. Dr. Welch takes an X-ray that shows if there is enough bone to accommodate dental implants in that area. If the bone volume is insufficient, bone is added to the floor of the sinus. This procedure, which takes about an hour, was developed by Dr. Welch's clinical partner while at Loma Linda University. Dr. Welch performed this procedure on his own mother when she was 72 years old and she tolerated it extremely well.
Hip Graft: For patients that have been without their teeth for many years or who have sustained serious accidents, sometimes a larger volume of bone is needed. The hipbone is a wonderful source of bone that has an excellent track record for predictable bone replacement. This type of surgery is performed in the hospital or outpatient surgery center. There, board certified anesthesiologists make the patients comfortable and safe while Dr. Welch performs the grafting procedure. Patients go home the same day and are surprisingly comfortable due to the innovative technique that Dr. Welch utilizes.
Three-dimensional imaging allows Dr. Welch to visualize your facial anatomy with sharp accuracy (within ½ a millimeter), allowing him to determine with confidence what type of bone grafting procedure is appropriate for you.