Bone Grafting in Orange Park, FL | Oral Facial Surgery

Oral Facial Surgery of Orange Park provides bone grafting in Orange Park, Florida. Call 904-269-5195 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a procedure used to replace and regenerate lost bone tissue in the jaw in preparation for dental implant placement. When one or more teeth are missing from the mouth, the support structures for those teeth, including the jaw bone, will weaken and eventually resorb (dissolve). If there is not enough bone material left to support a dental implant, a bone fragment can be placed over the existing bone to thicken it and encourage regeneration of the natural bone tissue.

Bone grafting procedures restore bone that has been lost or diminished because of missing teeth or other facial conditions. Many patients who want dental implants must have a bone grafting procedure first to replace the bone beneath the dental arch. In the past, implant placement was impossible if too much bone loss had occurred, but advances in bone grafting processes have made it possible for many people to receive secure, permanent dental implants. Today there are many options for bone sourcing and we are able to assist in integration with our PRGF technology.

Benefits of Bone Grafting

There are many benefits of bone grafting, including:

Makes dental implants possible. Bone grafting can make it possible for you to get dental implants when the condition of your jaw is not ideal. Dental implants provide a more secure, more natural looking restoration than traditional bridges and dentures.

Restores facial structure. Bone loss can cause your jaw to lose its shape and structure in noticeable ways. Bone grafting can restore your facial structure so that you look more like yourself.

Improves dental implant success and longevity. A dental implant that is placed in a jaw with insufficient bone density is likely to fail. Bone grafting increases the chances that your dental implant will be successful and last longer, likely for the rest of your life.

Types of Bone Grafting Procedures

We provide a few different types of bone grafting procedures:

Ridge Augmentation. Ridge augmentation is the typical type of bone grafting where a bone fragment is placed under the gum tissue on top of the existing jaw bone in the socket where a tooth used to be.

Sinus Augmentation. Sinus augmentation is a specific type of bone grafting procedure that is performed on the upper jaw when a dental implant needs to be placed close to the sinus cavity. Sinus augmentation ensures that the bone of the upper jaw is thick enough for a dental implant to be placed without interfering with the sinus.

Customized Bone Block. The bone fragment used for bone grafting can come from a variety of sources. We use customized bone block, which is human bone material that is purified and precisely formed to fit the space where extra bone material is needed. This technology improves the outcomes of bone grafting procedures.

Sinus lift. Sinus lifts (or sinus augmentations) add bone above the upper molars to make sure the wall that divides the sinus and the oral cavity is thick enough for implant placement or sometimes to protect from sinus perforation due to infections, defects, or injury.

Socket preservation. Socket preservations preserve the bone around an empty tooth socket after an extraction. Typically the oral surgeon can place the bone graft at the same time the tooth is extracted to reduce the number of procedures for the patient.

Ridge expansion. When teeth are missing for a long time, the bony ridge that holds the teeth can become too small to support dental implants. A ridge expansion increases the width of the alveolar ridge to make space for implants.

Nerve repositioning. The nerve that gives feeling to the chin and lower lip runs beneath the molars on each side of the jaw. Dental implants and other procedures can risk damaging this nerve if there is not enough bone above to protect it. Sometimes oral surgeons can move this nerve aside and hold it in its new position using a bone graft, but this procedure is usually avoided when possible.

Major bone grafting. Major bone grafting and tissue regeneration procedures are used to fix defects of the jaw that were caused by injuries, tumor surgery, or birth defects. Usually, bone is taken from the patient’s body for more extensive procedures, and a protective membrane may be used to protect the graft while it heals.

Are You a Good Candidate for Bone Grafting?

If one or more of your teeth have been missing for an extended period of time, causing the bone in your jaw to weaken and lose density, you may be a good candidate for bone grafting. A brief evaluation and medical history can determine whether or not you are eligible for bone grafting and if it would be effective for you.

Why Choose Oral Facial Surgery of Orange Park?

We strive to provide the best possible care for our patients, which is why we stay informed about state of the art technology and techniques that can make your experience as positive as it can be. Procedures and methods such as custom milled bone block and PRGF increase the chances of success for your bone graft and later, your dental implant.

We want you to be comfortable and relaxed when in our office and receiving dental treatment, which is why we provide a wide range of anesthesia and sedation options according to your personal preferences. Our highly qualified dental team has the experience necessary to ensure that you get the best possible care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting

Where does the bone fragment come from?

The bone fragment used in bone grafting can come from a variety of sources, such as another bone in your own body, a lab, or even an animal source. Human bone typically brings the best results because it is the most biologically compatible. We use customized bone blocks as stated above.

A bone graft is most often used in restorative dentistry to bulk up the jawbone before having implant surgery. After significant trauma, infection, disease, or an extended period of time without teeth, your jawbone may need restoration before a tooth implant procedure. That's because your jaw can actually lose some of its density, making it unfit for implantation. That's where a bone graft comes in; grafts are a way to build your bone up, by inserting bone taken from another place in your body, or even another body.

Dental bone Graft Material

There are many different materials used for bone grafting but they can generally be divided into four categories:

Allograft: Bone that is harvested from a human donor or cadaver for use in medical procedures
Autograph: Bone that is harvested from another area of the patient's body.
Alloplast: Usually is made from hydroxyapatite or calcium carbonate, both naturally occurring minerals.
Xenograft: The term xenograft refers to a tissue or organ that is derived from a species that is different from the recipient of the specimen.

Is bone grafting a surgical procedure?

Bone grafting is considered to be a surgical procedure because the gum tissue must be cut to access the bone beneath it. Sutures may be required to replace the gum tissue afterwards and control bleeding.

Why do I need bone grafting?

If you are in need of replacement teeth and you’d like to take advantage of the benefits of dental implants, you may need bone grafting first. When one or more teeth are missing for a while, or when severe gum disease causes damage to the bone tissue, the jaw may not be ready for dental implants without bone grafting.

Is bone grafting covered by insurance?

In some cases bone grafting may be covered by insurance. If you have had difficulty eating due to the lack of bone density in your jaw, insurance may cover a bone grafting procedure to allow for the placement of dental prosthetics.

How long does bone grafting take?

The procedure itself takes anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes depending on how many bone grafts are being placed. Then it will typically take between 3 and 6 months for the bone tissue to regenerate to the point where dental implants can be placed. You will be monitored with regular check-ins with your surgeon to ensure optimal integration is being achieved or if intervention is necessary.

To learn more, call 904-269-5195 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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Bone Grafting