MIssing teeth and gum disease are the leading cause of bone loss in the mouth. Bone grafting replaces lost bone. A bone graft is a versatile and predictable procedure that we perform daily, especially when it comes to a bone graft for dental implants.

A bone graft may be required to create a stable base for dental implant placement. Bone grafting can halt the progression of gum disease, or to make the smile appear more aesthetically pleasing. A dent in the bone can really alter the smile.

The four most common types of dental bone graft materials

Reasons for bone grafting

• Dental implants – Implants are the preferred replacement method for missing teeth because they restore full functionality to the mouth.  Implants need to be firmly anchored to the jawbone to be work long-term. If the jawbone lacks the necessary quality or quantity of bone, a bone graft for dental implants can strengthen and thicken the implant site.
• Sinus lift graft – A sinus lift entails elevating the sinus membrane and grafting bone onto the sinus floor so that upper molar implants can be placed.
• Bone Ridge augmentation – Bone defects can occur due to trauma, injury, birth defects, or severe gum disease. A bone graft is used to fill in the bone ridge and make the jawbone a uniform shape.
• Nerve repositioning – If the inferior alveolar nerve is in the way of placing implants in the back molar area, the nerve can be moved out of the way. The inferior alveolar nerve allows feeling and sensation in the lower chin and lip.

What is a dental bone graft procedure?

Initially, the bone graft material needs to either be harvested from your jaw or processed by a cadaver bone bank. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone. The bone grafting material is then placed at the affected site with membranes and/or screws. Sutures are always needed. A bone graft for dental implants is a usually done under sedation.

Some bone grafts can be done through a minimally invasive tunnel incision.  Antibiotics are usually needed for bone grafts.

Dr. Amin has a reputation for growing bone when others cannot. Amazingly, he does this will little pain to the patient. Bone grafting is a skill mastered by very few dentists.

The jaw bone regeneration process may be aided by:

Gum/bone tissue regeneration – A collagen membrane is placed below the gum line over the grafting material. This barrier creates enough space for bone to grow and separates the faster-growing gum from softening the bone graft. This means that bone cells can migrate to the protected area and grow naturally.

Human deepithelialized amnion-chorion –  These layers represent the
inner and outermost layers of the amniotic membrane of a developing human fetus. It is the only barrier between the mother and fetus, protecting both from each another’s immune system and infection.  We use this natural product for many bone grafting procedures with great success.

Platelet-rich growth factors (PRF/PRP)– This is made from blood we take from your arm. A high platelet concentration liquid can be used to create “sticky bone grafts.” PRF/PRP stimulates bone growth – meaning a denser graft in a shorter time period.  Dr. Amin uses this on every case.

Bone graft for dental implants in Burbank, CA

• Ridge augmentation
• Sinus lift bone graft
• Block graft
• Extraction socket bone graft
• Bone widening/expansion
• Nerve repositioning – lateralization
• Platelet rich fibrin/plasma (PRF -PRP)