A patient’s oral health can be significantly impacted due to progressive bone loss. Tooth loss, infection, and facial injuries are common reasons for bone loss. Consequences of severe bone loss include recession of gum tissue and distortion of facial features. If enough bone loss is experienced, a patient may not qualify for certain tooth replacement options, such as dental implants. A bone grafting procedure restores or replaces bone that has been lost.
Bone grafting is a common first step for many patients who desire dental implants. Bone grafting also preserves or restores facial aesthetics, improves oral health, and stimulates new bone growth.
Types of Bone Grafting Procedures
The type of bone grafting procedure you will have depends on your treatment goals, the severity of bone loss, and more. Your oral surgeon will keep all of this in mind when determining the best bone grafting procedure for you.
The most common bone grafting procedures include
- Sinus lifts graft bone between the upper jaw and maxillary sinuses. Bone is added to the molar and premolar area in the upper jaw to create a supportive foundation for one or more dental implants.
- Socket preservation prevents bone loss immediately after a tooth extraction by placing a bone graft into the empty socket.
- Ridge expansion adds height and/or width to the alveolar ridge if it is too thin for dental implants.
- Major bone grafting replaces or restores a large amount of bone in the jaw. Patients who have experienced facial trauma, periodontal disease, a facial tumor, or a congenital disability may require major bone grafting.
- Nerve repositioning moves the alveolar nerve if it is determined that it will sustain possible damage during a dental implant procedure. The alveolar nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the chin and lower lip. Because nerve repositioning is a high-risk procedure, other options are usually considered first.
Bone Grafting in Slidell & Mandeville, LA
At Northlake Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Brown is highly experienced in bone grafting procedures. If you are missing teeth or have bone loss, need an extraction, or want to learn more about dental implants, please contact our office in Slidell, LA, or Mandeville, LA. One of our staff members will be happy to schedule a consultation appointment.