About Bone Grafting

What is Bone Grafting?

Over a period of time, the bone associated with missing teeth resorbs. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, some patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.

With bone grafting, we now have the opportunity to replace bone where it is missing. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance.

Types of Bone Grafts

Allogenic Bone:

Allogenic bone, or allograft, is cadaver bone, processed using a freeze-dry method to extract the water via a vacuum. Allogenic bone serves as a framework or scaffold over which bone from the surrounding bony walls can grow to fill the defect or void.

Xenogenic Bone:

Xenogenic bone, or xenograft, is derived from non-living bone of another species, usually a cow. The bone is processed at very high temperatures to avoid the potential for immune rejection and contamination. Like allogenic grafts, xenogenic grafts serve as a framework for bone from the surrounding area to grow and fill the void.

Both allogenic and xenogenic bone grafting are advantageous in that they do not require a second procedure to harvest your own bone, as with autografts. 

Bone Graft Substitutes

As a substitute to using real bone, many synthetic materials are available as a safe and proven alternative, including:

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins:

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are proteins naturally produced in the body that promote and regulate bone formation and healing.  Click here for more information.

Each bone grafting option has its own risks and benefits. Dr. Shinozaki will determine which type of bone graft material is right for you.