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Bone Grafts

Bone Grafting

Although implants can often be placed without issue, sometimes the jawbone has inadequate bone structure due to bone loss, previous extractions, gum disease or injury. In these instances, bone grafting is the optimal solution in regrowing the missing bone and placing the implant.

Today's technologies allow Dr. Chu to replace and grow the needed jawbone. Bone grafting is not only functional, but also enhances the aesthetic appearance of the jaw. The bone used in these procedures can either come from a tissue bank or be extracted from easily accessible areas of your own body.

Bone loss beneath the gum where a tooth is missing
This transparent view of the gums shows bone loss.
The gum opened to reach the area of bone loss
The surgeon gently opens the area.
Bone grafting material placed into the open area
He then fills it with bone grafting material.
A membrane placed over the bone graft
A patch is placed to hold the material in.
The gum closed with sutures after a bone graft
The surgeon then closes the area and lets it heal.
Healed gum and bone after a graft has integrated
The bone grafting material will integrate with the bone and the gum will also return to normal.

Sinus Graft

When the upper back teeth are removed, the floor of the maxillary sinuses, empty spaces located just above the roots, begin to grow downward. This creates inadequate depth of bone to hold the implant.

To solve the problem, Dr. Chu uses the sinus graft procedure.

Procedure: Dr. Chu enters the sinus from its side, above where the upper teeth used to be. The sinus membrane is then lifted upward and bone is inserted into the floor of the sinus.

After several months of healing, the inserted bone becomes part of the patient's jaw and dental implants can be placed and stabilized in this new sinus bone.

Socket Preservation and Ridge Augmentation

Socket preservation is performed immediately after a tooth extraction to promote bone growth and preserve the open socket, so it keeps the strength to support an eventual dental implant.

Ridge augmentation restores and reconstructs the jawbone after bone loss has already occurred. It is commonly used for patients who have been missing a tooth for some time or have worn dentures before deciding on dental implants.

Healing Time Before an Implant

Typical healing times before an implant can be placed, by type of graft:

  • Socket preservation: 3 to 6 months
  • Ridge augmentation: 6 to 9 months
  • Sinus lift: 8 to 12 months

Dr. Chu will review the timeline for your own treatment plan at your consultation.

Why Bone Loss Matters

Without the stimulation of a tooth root, the jawbone gradually resorbs. Bone resorption complications can include:

Illustration of a side profile and lower jaw with all teeth in place: normal anatomy with no tooth lossThe same profile after tooth loss: the jawbone has begun to recede and the lips and chin have started to sink inThe same profile with continued bone loss: a thin, narrowed jawbone and a collapsed lower face
  • Distorted facial features, such as facial drooping
  • Pain or discomfort when talking or eating
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Drooping lips
  • Difficulty with speech
  • Increased headaches and facial pain
  • Premature wrinkling around the mouth
  • Changes in bite alignment with your remaining teeth
  • Too little bone to provide stability for a dental implant
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Frequently Asked Questions

What can happen if you don’t get a bone graft after an extraction?

After a tooth extraction, the bone begins to heal. However, without the stimulation of the tooth root, the bone heals in a different way, often resulting in a loss of height and width. After just a year, you can experience significant bone density changes and a decrease in height and width. Having a bone graft immediately after a tooth extraction helps to prevent this bone loss.

How safe is bone grafting?

Bone grafts are a safe and effective, commonly performed procedure. As with any surgical procedure, however, there can be risks that include infection, heavy bleeding and potential nerve damage.

How long does it take the bone grafting site to heal before I can get an implant?

How long a bone graft takes to heal before it can support an implant depends on the type of bone graft and why it was needed. For example, a socket preservation graft after extraction requires 3-6 months healing time. However, a sinus lift may take up to a year before it is stable enough to support a dental implant.

What can you eat after a bone graft?

After your bone graft procedure, you will want to start with soft or liquid foods, such as yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes. Once the numbness subsides, you can slowly introduce more solid foods as you feel comfortable. However, it is likely you will want to stay on a softer food diet for the first couple of days.