After teeth are extracted, the bone that previously supported the teeth will be lost. The amount of loss can be from 25% to 50% of previous volume, and this loss can be in height or width. The consequence of this can be both esthetic and functional. The goal of bone grafting is restore much of the lost volume so that implants can be properly placed. Implants placed in an ideal location in grafted bone are as successful to those placed in native bone.

Recent developments in materials allow for donor bone from a cadaver or bovine bone from a cow to be used for grafting, sometimes along with some of your own bone. Sterilization of bone graft virtually eliminates the risk of graft rejection. These techniques allow us to use less of your own bone and still achieve preditable outcomes. We utilize various membranes to allow us to shape the bone in the desired form for ideal implant placement. Bone grafts take time to heal, usually 6-9 months, and your periodontist will discuss what to expect from the outcome.

Initially, there is a large volume of bone missing after teeth were extracted and not replaced

After grafting and healing for 9 months, the ridge is restored to proper shape and contour