Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is often closely associated with dental restorations such as bridge work and dental implants. In the majority of cases, the success of a restoration procedure can hinge on the height, depth, and width of the jawbone at the implant site. When the jawbone has receded or sustained significant damage, the implant(s) cannot be supported on this unstable foundation and bone grafting is usually recommended for the ensuing restoration.

There are several major factors that affect jaw bone volume:

  • Periodontal Disease – Periodontal disease can affect and permanently damage the jaw bone that supports the teeth. Affected areas progressively worsen until the teeth become unstable.
  • Tooth Extraction – Studies have shown that patients who have experienced a tooth extraction subsequently lose 40-60% of the bone surrounding the extraction site during the following three years. Loss of bone results in what is called a “bone defect”.
  • Injuries and Infections – Dental injuries and other physical injuries resulting from a blow to the jaw can cause the bone to recede. Infections can also cause the jaw bone to recede in a similar way.

Reasons for bone grafts

Bone grafting is a highly successful procedure in most cases. It is also a preferable alternative to having missing teeth, diseased teeth, or tooth deformities. Bone grafting can increase the height or width of the jawbone and fill in voids and defects in the bone.

There are essentially two basic ways in which bone grafting can positively impact the health and stability of the teeth:

Jaw Stabilization – Bone grafting stabilizes and helps restore the jaw foundation for restorative or implant surgery. Deformities can also be corrected and the restructuring of the bone can provide added support.

Preservation – Bone grafting can be used to limit or prevent bone recession following a tooth extraction, periodontal disease, or other invasive processes.

Oral Examination

Initially, the dentist will thoroughly examine the affected area in order to assess the general condition of the teeth and gums. If periodontal disease is present or the adjacent teeth are in poor condition, these factors will be fully addressed before the bone grafting procedure can begin. The dentist will also recommend panoramic x-rays in order to assess the precise depth and width of the existing bone. On occasion, a CAT scan may be recommended to determine the bone condition. Depending on these results, the dentist may also anesthetize the area and explore into the gum in order to determine what kind and how much bone is required.

What Does Bone Grafting Involve?

There are several types of bone grafts. Your dentist will determine the best type for your particular condition.

Autogenous Bone Graft - Harvested from the patient’s own body (usually from the posterior part of the lower jaw or the chin). This method is usually preferred because it produces the most predictable results.

Allograft Bone Graft - Cadaver or synthetic bone is used in this type of graft.

Xenograft - Cow bone is used in this type of graft.

The bone grafting procedure can often take several months to complete. Bone is typically harvested from your own body (or on rare occasions obtained from a “bone bank”) and added to the affected site. This bone will fuse with the existing bone and the migration of cells will cause firm adhesion and cell growth. Supplementing the jaw with bone will result in greater bone mass to help support and anchor the implant(s).

During the surgery, the dentist will numb the grafting and extraction sites using local anesthetic. A small incision will be made to prepare the site for the new bone and it will be anchored into place. On occasion, a synthetic membrane may be used to cover the new bone. This membrane prevents soft tissue and bacterial invasions, and encourages new bone growth. The surgery does not require an overnight stay, and you will be provided with comprehensive instructions for your post-operative care. The dentist will prescribe medications to help manage infection, discomfort and swelling.

Testimonials.

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Testimonials

I've had the privilege of going to Dr. Howard since young (decades). Now my entire family has chosen Dr. Howard and Dr. Alan Igasaki as our dentists. Both are calm, soothing, gentle and amazing dentists. Dr. Alan also specializes in periodontics which helped the extensive gum work we had to do over the years. The entire staff is super friendly and fun. There wasn't one visit I didn't leave laughing or encouraged by some one on the staff.

The doctors work well together and often seek each other's opinion. I appreciate that they're always educating themselves and using the latest technology. Dr. Alan used the laser on my son's gum procedure with no bleeding and minimal pain. They also allow you to bring your own music in and can play movies on a special eyeglass video screen. We often didn't want to leave since the "movie wasn't over." I get pretty anxious with any dental work. I watched a relaxing movie about Hawaii and the ocean. Both doctors are soothing and often talk to you a long time previous to treatment. It helps a lot. They're gentle also and will ask you for feedback if there's pain or discomfort. Very empathetic doctors as well as being brilliant clinically is rare. Highly recommended!!!

M D.

I cannot believe I am giving ANY dentist that I have personally seen any stars. But I must say Dr. Howard Igaskai, deserves every single one of them. I am not an easy person to get into a dental office let alone a dental chair! My fear of dentist started as a child & never went away. Dr. Howard aka Papa Howard, knew of my anxiety & went as far as unbuttoning his top collar & removing his coat just to make me feel at ease. I honestly have major trust issues w/dentist. I have horrible teeth due to the lack of dental care. I need a lot of work & it took a lot for me to even make this appointment. With that being said Dr. Howard took his time to explain & examine everything. I have to admit I didn't trust him from the get go & had a stink face but as the appointment went on he made me feel comfortable enough to make me want to return to his office. Yes, you read that right. I will go BACK....WILLINGLY! I'm still afraid & nervous as heck but from the front desk ladies, to the dental assistants & Dr. Howard....thank you! Thank you for NOT giving up on me. Thank you for making me feel comfortable enough to want to return. I'll see you again (still anxious) but I will be there.

Diana A.

I am SO honored to be able to rate and provide information on my dentist's office. In a world where people freak out about seeing the dentist, I LOVE mine! The front staff is great (very welcoming and informative), Elsie is my favorite hygienist (very inviting and great to talk to - even with tools in your mouth!), and Dr. Howard is da bomb! This is the one doctor I see religiously!

My parents were smart in taking me with them to the dentist (they are patients here, as well) when I was very young. I don't recall what age I was when Dr. Howard first started treating me, but I don't ever recall not knowing or feeling comfortable with him. And, now that I'm old, he still asks about my migraines, my family, and is just very pleasant to speak with any time I do.

I wanted to whiten my teeth and he told me no - that mine are naturally bright. He could have done it anyway, but that's just one way he is always looking out for me.

God willing, I will NEVER not have the wonderful folks here as my dental professionals! I always get compliments on my teeth!

Anika C.

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Contact Us. We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.