Sarasota Bone Grafting

Major & Minor Bone Grafting

Bone loss from missing teeth can lead to problems with dental implants and changes in facial structure. Luckily, bone grafting can help by growing bone where it’s needed. This allows for better implant placement and restores both function and appearance.

The Importance of Teeth for Jaw Bone Health

Missing teeth can lead to bone loss in the jaw, causing problems with appearance, overall health, and daily functions like eating and speaking. Just as muscles need exercise to stay strong, bone tissue needs stimulation from teeth to maintain its density. When teeth are absent, the jaw bone no longer receives this stimulation and begins to break down.

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Common Causes of Jaw Bone Loss and Deterioration Include:

  1. Tooth Extractions: When teeth are removed and not replaced, the jaw bone loses stimulation and begins to break down.

  2. Periodontal Disease: Infections of the gums can lead to bone loss as the supporting structures of the teeth deteriorate.

  3. Dentures/Bridgework: Unanchored dentures and some types of bridgework can cause bone resorption due to lack of stimulation.

  4. Facial Trauma: Injuries to the teeth and jaw can halt bone stimulation, leading to bone loss.

  5. Misalignment: Teeth that lack opposing structures can over-erupt, causing bone deterioration.

  6. Osteomyelitis: Bacterial infections in the jaw bone can cause inflammation and reduce blood supply, leading to bone loss.

  7. Tumors: Benign or malignant tumors may require removal of jaw bone, necessitating reconstructive bone grafting.

  8. Developmental Deformities: Some conditions result in missing portions of facial bones, which may require bone grafting to restore function.

  9. Sinus Deficiencies: Removal of molars in the upper jaw can lead to decreased bone volume, requiring a sinus lift to support dental implants.

Potential Consequences of Tooth and Jaw Bone Loss

  • Problems with remaining teeth, including misalignment, drifting, loosening, and loss
  • Collapsed facial profile
  • Limited lip support
  • Skin wrinkling around the mouth
  • Distortion of other facial features
  • Jaw (TMJ or temporomandibular joint) pain, facial pain, and headaches
  • Difficulty speaking and communicating
  • Inadequate nutrition as a result of the inability to chew properly and painlessly
  • Sinus expansion

Major Bone Grafting

In major bone grafting, bone is added to areas with insufficient structure due to extractions, gum disease, or injuries. Bone can be sourced from a tissue bank or taken from the patient’s jaw, hip, or below the knee. Special membranes may be used to protect the graft and promote bone regrowth. Major bone grafts are typically done to repair significant jaw defects caused by trauma, tumors, or congenital issues. These procedures are performed in a hospital setting.

 

Post-Op Bone Grafting Home Care Guide