Bone Grafting

When is the bone grafting necessary?
If the jaw has no teeth and is not subject to the associated natural chewing load over a long period, the bone gradually atrophies.This is a similar process to that of a muscle that atrophies bacause it is no longer used.Certain bacteria can also destroy the bone.This is referred to as periodontitis-otherwise known as periodontosis-,an inflamatory disease of the periodontium.If the bone is weakened or thin and an implant cannot be placed in it,the dentist will recommend bone grafting.The bone tissue is restored with autologous bone or bone replacement material as atraumatically as possible.A mixture of both autogenous bone and bone replacement material is often used.The grafting material is layered directly on the bone and gradually converted by the body to strong bone substance.The bone can be widened or lifted by this method.At the back of the upper jaw the bone is generally lifted by a sinus lift procedure.This prevents part of the implant from extending into the maxillary sinus.Bone grafting can often be done during implant placement.However, in the other cases a separate outpatient procedure may also be required.