Bone Grafting in Surrey, BC
Why Bone Grafting is Necessary For Jawbone Restoration
Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone available to support a replacement tooth. In these situations, most patients lack the structural foundation required for long-term restorative procedures. Today, we can grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to prepare the site effectively, but it also gives us a chance to restore functionality.
At New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery, our bone grafting procedure repairs implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease or injuries. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is 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.
Major bone grafts are typically performed to repair defects of the jaws. These defects may arise as a result of traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital defects. Large defects are repaired using the patient’s own bone. This bone is harvested from a number of different sites depending on the size of the defect. The skull (cranium), hip (iliac crest), and lateral knee (tibia), are common donor sites. These procedures are routinely performed in an operating room and require a hospital stay.
Ridge Expansion
In severe cases, the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase ridge height and/or width. This is a technique used to restore the lost bone dimension when the jaw ridge gets too thin to place conventional implants. In this procedure, the bony ridge of the jaw is literally expanded by mechanical means. Bone graft material can be placed and matured for a few months before placing the implant.
These procedures may be performed separately or together, depending upon the individual’s condition. As stated earlier, there are several areas of the body that are suitable for attaining bone grafts. In the maxillofacial region, bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region, or in the upper jaw behind the last tooth. In more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from the hip or the outer aspect of the tibia at the knee. When we use the patient’s own bone for repairs, we generally get the best results.
Nerve Repositioning
The inferior alveolar nerve, which gives feeling to the lower lip and chin, may need to be moved in order to make room for placement of dental implants in the lower jaw. This procedure is limited to the lower jaw and indicated when teeth are missing in the area of the two back molars and/or and second premolar, with the above-mentioned secondary condition. Since this procedure is considered a very aggressive approach (there is almost always some postoperative numbness of the lower lip and jaw area, which dissipates only very slowly, if ever), usually other, less aggressive options are considered first (placement of blade implants, etc.).
Procedures like this are often part of a broader jaw surgery plan to ensure proper alignment and optimal implant placement.
Typically, an outer section of the cheek side of the lower jawbone is removed in order to expose the nerve and vessel canal. Then we isolate the nerve and vessel bundle in that area and slightly pull it out to the side. At the same time, we will 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.
In many cases, we can use allograft material to implement bone grafting for Dental implants. This bone is prepared from cadavers and used to promote the patients own bone to grow into the repair site. It is quite effective and very safe. Synthetic materials can also be used to stimulate bone formation. We even use factors from your own blood to accelerate and promote bone formation in graft areas.
These surgeries are performed in the out-office surgical suite under IV sedation or general anesthesia. After discharge, bed rest is recommended for one day and limited physical activity for one week.
Bone Grafting Process & Recovery
From your initial 3D scan to complete healing, here is a quick look at how we safely restore your jawbone density and prepare your smile for the future.
- Initial Consultation & 3D Imaging
Dr. Bahi utilizes advanced CBCT (3D X-ray) imaging to evaluate the current density of your jawbone and map out precise grafting locations. - The Bone Grafting Procedure
Performed comfortably in our Surrey surgical suite under your choice of IV sedation or general anesthesia. Minor grafts add very little time to a standard extraction. - Osseointegration (Healing Phase)
The grafting material acts as a biological scaffold, naturally stimulating your body to build dense, new living bone in the jaw. - Implant Placement
Once the graft has securely fused with your jaw, your newly stabilized bone structure is ready to be referred to your restorative dentist for permanent tooth placement.
Depending on your needs, we achieve this by using safe donor tissue, synthetic materials, or growth factors from your own blood to naturally accelerate jawbone healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about bone grafting to help you understand the process, types, and recovery.
What Is Bone Grafting and Why Is It Needed in Surrey, BC?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that restores or augments the jawbone that has deteriorated due to missing teeth, gum disease, or trauma. In Surrey, BC, it is often needed to create a strong foundation for dental implants or to restore facial structure.
How Is Bone Grafting Performed at New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery?
At New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery, bone grafting may involve harvesting bone from the patient’s body, using donor bone, or synthetic materials. The procedure is performed under sedation or anesthesia, and the graft integrates with existing bone over several months before any dental implants are placed.
How Long Does It Take to Heal After a Bone Graft?
Healing time depends on the size and type of graft, but generally ranges from three to six months. During this time, new bone grows and fuses with the existing jawbone to create a stable foundation for future dental implants.