Bone Grafting for Implants
Following a tooth extraction, thick socket walls typically undergo natural bone filling within two to three months. Conversely, in cases where the socket walls are thin, especially in the upper and lower front teeth, spontaneous healing is less reliable. In such instances, a common approach involves placing a bone graft during the tooth extraction to assist the body in filling the empty socket with bone. This measure aims to preserve the necessary bone width and volume for successful implant placement several months down the line.
When do I need a Bone Graft?
If your tooth was removed several years ago, leaving your bony ridge extremely thin, there might not be enough bone for implant placement. In such cases, a potential solution is to place a bone graft next to the thin bone, allowing it to heal for up to six months. After the graft has fused with your existing bone, the ridge can be reopened, and the implant can be placed. Bone grafting for implants is typically performed comfortably in the office, using various materials, including your own bone.
Another scenario that may necessitate bone grafting is when the sinus cavities in your upper jaw are exceptionally large or low, extending into the tooth-bearing areas. This often happens when the back teeth in the upper jaw were extracted many years ago, resulting in limited bone for implant placement. In such cases, a “sinus grafting procedure” may be required, usually conducted in the office with local anesthesia and potentially sedation. During this procedure, the sinus membrane is located and lifted, and bone is added to restore the bone height, ensuring that dental implants of sufficient length can be placed. This procedure is often performed simultaneously with implant placement.