Compassionate Family Dentists Serving Morris & Somerset County
When you undergo a dental implant procedure, your dentist may need to increase the amount of bone in your jaw. Not all patients who are getting implants require bone grafting, but those that do should be sure to work with an experienced dental professional. Your dentist can walk you through the process by explaining the procedure and helping you understand what to expect. If you need an increase in jaw bone before a dental implant, you can count on Dental Associates of Basking Ridge to make sure you are taken care of each step of the way. Our office has proudly helped clients in New Jersey since 1947 and is ready to help you improve your smile. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
What is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is necessary for dental patients who need to increase the amount of bone in their jaw before they can undergo an implant procedure, such as an implanted bridge or crown. Dentists can use a number of different sources of bone, including from your own bone, human bone from a tissue bank, mineral bone substitutes, or processed animal bones. Generally, your own bone is the safest and most effective bone graft material because your body will be more inclined to accept it. If you are able to use bone from your own body, it will typically be procured by drilling into the jawbone for the implant placement to produce shavings. The drilling would have to be done anyway, so there is no extra procedure. If you need a larger amount of bone, it can be acquired from other parts of your body. However, if you are unable to have bone grafted from your own body, the alternatives are an effective option.
Types of Bone Grafting
There are two categories of bone grafting. The first category involves bone grafting as a separate surgery from the implant placement. Typically, the bone grafting and the implant procedure will be done several months apart. The other option is when a patient already has enough bone to place the implant but still needs bone grafting done to cover the sides of the implant. Luckily, this can be done at the same time that implants are placed. Bone grafting techniques include onlay grafting and sinus grafting. Onlay grafting involves placing the bone on top of the area where it is needed. Sinus grafting involves adding height to the bone behind the cheekbone.
Contact Dental Associates of Basking Ridge
If you learn that you need additional bone to make sure an implant is successful, you can count on Dental Associates of Basking Ridge to make the process as easy as possible. We will be able to explain which options of bone recovery will be best for your situation and help you make a decision. Our knowledgeable staff is well versed in bone grafting techniques and is committed to walking you through each step of the process. To schedule an appointment with an experienced dental professional, contact Dental Associates of Basking Ridge today.