A dental bone graft is used to replace missing bone. Tooth loss can cause a number of problems, one of them being bone loss. This is particularly a problem with your mandible, lower jaw, because jaw bone loss can significantly weaken the jaw. Bone loss can also create a visible effect of increased aging. People with full dentures can see this effect as the face begins to have a shortened or collapsed look. Luckily there is a way of slowing down or preventing these problems.
A dental bone graft is often used to create adequate bone for dental implants. A dental implant is a dental devices used to replace missing teeth. The implants are placed into the bone and the titanium of the implant actually bonds with the bone, creating a very strong foundation for a dental restoration. An implant can be used to replace a single tooth or many. Implant supported dentures have become much more common due to advances like the mini-dental implant which is much cheaper than a traditional implant but has a number of advantages for use with dentures.
A dental bone graft is often necessary before dental implant surgery because many patients do not have adequate bone in place for the implant to succeed. There are several options for bone grafting procedures. In some cases bone is gathered from a donor site, such as the hip, for use at the implant site. Another bone augmentation procedure us referred to as "bone in a bottle. This uses a specially prepared bone from a cadaver. This may seem like an odd idea but it is in many ways similar to organ transplants. The Barrier Membrane Technique uses a special membrane to promote bone regrowth rather than simply transplant bone.
If you are would like to learn more about the dental bone graft procedure and would like to speak with a dentist, please consider visiting the Atlanta Dental Group PC. Our Atlanta dentists have over 45 years of combined experience serving Atlanta's dental needs. Our dentists in Georgia are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being and you are more than welcome to join our family of patients. Our Atlanta dental implant dentist enjoys working with and helping his patients. If you would like schedule an free dental consultation appointment with Atlanta dentist, call our office at to make an appointment at 404-874-7428.