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Over a period of time, the bone in the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) will resorb if a tooth is missing or a tooth that was affected by an infection (periodontal disease). This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. To build back the bone, which is needed for an implant, we use a variety of bone grafting techniques. This not only allows us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore the tooth to its original function and aesthetic appearance. We have been using the following bone grafting procedures with great success. The Bio-Col Technique The Bio-Col technique is used immediately after a tooth or teeth are extracted. Usually, there is loss of soft tissue (gums) and bone around a tooth that had periodontal disease or has been infected for some time. Also, some extractions are difficult and require some bone to be removed to extract the entire tooth. Therefore, to replace the missing bone and to augment the bone to its natural and original state, we graft the socket and surrounding tissue immediately after the extraction. The bone is obtained from a bone bank and is in the form of particles. This technique not only augments the tissue but it preserves the normal contours of the bone and soft tissue. We have found greater success of the future implant with this technique. The patient’s surgery time and the time passed before the final result can be observed are also significantly reduced. Block bone grafts Sometime, the width and height of bone are insufficient for an implant. Therefore, we harvest the patient’s own bone autogenously in the mouth and place it in the site where the implant is needed. Autogenous bone is the best type of bone to use in areas of the jaw that need greater thickness. Usually, the block graft is harvested from the area of the jaw behind the third molar region. The block graft is secured in place with small screws. The graft is allowed to fuse to the natural bone in 3 months. At time of implant placement, the small screws are removed. We have found that by using the patient’s own bone, not only the implant is more secure but less time is needed before the crown is placed on the implant. (Click here to view the Bone Graft Gallery.) Sinus bone grafting technique This is a very easy procedure to provide bone for implants in the back of the upper jaw. A small window is made on the side of the upper jaw (maxilla) under the tissue to expose the maxillary sinus. The membrane lining the sinus is elevated and a bone graft material (usually in a syringe) is added under the membrane. The tissue is closed over the window and allowed to heal. The bone graft material will form new bone in about 6 months. After that time, implants are placed in their position for the future crowns. (Click here to view the Sinus Graft Gallery.) Platelet Rich Plasma Technique Bioengineering research has found that platelets produce growth factors that can stimulate bone growth. This technique involves harvesting the patient's platelets and mixing it with the bone graft. By using the plasma rich in platelets with the graft, the bone is greater in quality and quantity. Also, less time is needed for bone maturation. Before the procedure, we obtain about 50cc to 60cc of blood. The blood is centrifuged and the plasma rich in platelets is collected. This plasma is then mixed with the bone graft that is needed to augment the area for the future implant. We have found that the bone grafts are much better and the wounds heal quicker and with less discomfort. |
