Bone Grafting Oklahoma City

What is a Bone Graft? 

Over time, jawbone loss from missing teeth can lead to insufficient bone for dental implants, rendering many patients ineligible. However, bone grafting offers a solution by replacing missing bone and stimulating new bone growth. This enables proper implant placement and restores both function and aesthetics.

Major Bone Grafting

Bone grafting repairs implant sites with insufficient bone due to extractions, gum disease, or injuries. Bone may be sourced from a tissue bank or harvested from the patient’s jaw, hip, or tibia. Sinus bone grafts are also performed for upper jaw bone replacement. Special membranes can aid in bone protection and regeneration, known as guided bone or tissue regeneration.

These grafts are commonly employed to address jaw defects resulting from trauma, tumor surgery, or congenital issues. The patient’s own bone is typically used, sourced from various sites such as the skull, hip, or knee. Such procedures are conducted in an operating room and may require hospitalization.

Causes of Jawbone Loss:

1. Tooth Extractions: When a tooth is removed without replacement, the jawbone can deteriorate due to lack of stimulation from chewing and biting. Bone loss typically starts within the first eighteen months after extraction.

2. Periodontal Disease: Chronic gum infections gradually destroy bone and other supporting structures of teeth. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, causing gum recession, bone loss, and eventual tooth loosening.

3. Dentures/Bridgework: Unanchored dentures don’t stimulate the jawbone, leading to bone resorption. Bridgework can also cause bone loss where teeth are missing.

4. Trauma: Injuries like knocked-out teeth or fractures can stop bone stimulation, resulting in jawbone loss. Bone grafting is often needed to restore function and promote new bone growth.

5. Misalignment: Teeth misalignment or lack of opposing tooth structures can lead to over-eruption and bone deterioration.

6. Osteomyelitis: Bone infection can reduce blood supply and necessitate bone removal. Bone grafting may be required for restoration.

7. Tumors: Benign or malignant tumors may require jawbone removal, followed by reconstructive bone grafting to restore function.

8. Developmental Deformities: Birth defects may cause missing facial bones or teeth, necessitating bone graft procedures for restoration.

9. Sinus Deficiencies: Molar extraction can cause sinus enlargement and insufficient bone for dental implants. A “sinus lift” procedure can treat enlarged sinuses and facilitate implant placement.

The Impact of Missing Teeth on Jaw Health

When teeth are missing, the jawbone at the gap site can deteriorate, leading to various issues affecting both appearance and health. Without teeth, the jawbone lacks stimulation, causing it to weaken and shrink over time. This can result in pain, difficulties with remaining teeth, changes in facial structure, and challenges with speaking and eating normally.

Consequences of Tooth and Jawbone Loss:

• Problems with remaining teeth, such as shifting and loosening
• Changes in facial appearance, including a collapsed profile and lip support
• Increased risk of jaw pain, headaches, and facial discomfort
• Challenges with speaking and nutrition due to difficulty chewing
• Potential sinus expansion

Maintaining healthy teeth helps preserve jawbone strength and overall well-being.

Types of Bone Grafts:

• Autogenous Bone Grafts: Made from your own bone, harvested from various body areas such as the chin, jaw, leg, hip, or skull. Live bone cells in autografts enhance bone growth. However, this method involves an additional surgical procedure for bone extraction, which may not always be advisable.
• Allogenic Bone: Derived from deceased donors, processed to remove water. While unable to generate new bone independently, allogenic bone provides a scaffold for surrounding bone growth.
• Xenogenic Bone: Derived from non-human sources, typically cow bone, treated to prevent immune rejection. Like allogenic grafts, xenogenic bone acts as a scaffold for natural bone growth.

Bone Graft Substitutes: Synthetic alternatives offer safety and efficacy:

• Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM)/Demineralized Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft (DFDBA): Extracted from allograft bone, containing collagen, proteins, and growth factors. Available in various forms such as powder, putty, chips, or gel.
• Graft Composites: Combinations of different graft materials and growth factors, such as collagen/ceramic or DBM with bone marrow cells, mimicking natural bone composition.
• Bone Morphogenetic Proteins: Natural proteins that stimulate bone formation and healing.

Synthetic materials eliminate the need for a second surgery, reducing risks and discomfort. Dr. Wooten will assess and recommend the most suitable grafting option for each patient.