Major & Minor Bone Grafting
Over a period of time, the jaw bone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.
Today, we have the ability to grow bone where needed. 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 aesthetic appearance. For more information on bone grafting surgery, reach out to Northeast Periodontal Specialists in Worcester, MA to schedule a consultation.
Major Bone Grafting
Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease or injuries. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaw, hip or tibia (below the knee). Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum and protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.
Major bone grafts are typically performed to repair defects of the jaws. These defects may arise as a result of traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital defects. Large defects are repaired using the patient’s own bone. This bone is harvested from a number of different sites depending on the size of the defect. The skull (cranium), hip (iliac crest), and lateral knee (tibia), are common donor sites. These procedures are routinely performed in an operating room and require a hospital stay.
Bone & Tissue Regeneration
Guided Bone & Tissue Regeneration
Gum disease has traditionally been treated by eliminating the gum pockets by trimming away the infected gum tissue and by re-contouring the uneven bone tissue. Although this is still an effective way of treating gum disease, new and more sophisticated procedures are used routinely today. One of these advancements is guided bone regeneration, also referred to as guided tissue regeneration. This procedure is used to stabilize endangered teeth or to prepare the jaw for dental implants.
As periodontal disease progresses, pockets of degenerated bone develop in the jaw. These pockets can promote the growth of bacteria and the spread of infection. To address these pockets, our periodontists may recommend tissue regeneration. During this surgical procedure, the pockets are cleaned thoroughly, and a membrane is installed between the soft tissue and the pocket in the bone. Some of these membranes are bio-absorbable and some require removal. The membrane covers the pocket so that fast-growing soft tissue is blocked, and slower-growing bone can begin to grow, or “regenerate” itself.
The effectiveness of the procedure generally depends on the patient’s willingness to follow a strict postoperative diet and careful oral care. Our periodontists will help you determine if bone regeneration surgery is right for you. To learn whether bone grafting is right for your needs, please call Northeast Periodontal Specialists in Worcester, MA today.
Northeast Periodontal Specialists Reviews
They have a very friendly staff. They always send you reminders about your appointment and they always start on time. I definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Excellent care. Dr. Rafla is wonderful. The staff is also great!
Patient with Dr Rafla for 25 yrs - After a car accident at 19 yrs old my only option back then was dental bridges. At 40 yrs old with nerve pain & failing bridgework I saw Dr. Rafla for implants.He is a total professional & expert periodontist, as well as kind, caring person. My implants have not failed in 25 yrs. I moved to Maine to retire and when told to see a local periodontist I couldn't start with someone new. I drove 3 hrs back to Worcester, MA for a consult because I trust Dr. Rafla.
Excellent service, the staff and Dr Rafla really cares about you.
I originally came to Dr Rafla in 2021 for an implant. I live in CT and I wasn't able to get an appointment in my area. Dr Rafla was recommended so I called. I got an appointment with a couple days. The implant was perfect and Dr Rafla is amazing. I have a dentist in Connecticut but I continue to see Dr. Rafla every six months for a cleaning and check up. The hygienists do an amazing job. My cleanings at Dr Rafla's office just feel cleaner than my regular dentist. I end up paying out of pocket, but it's worth it for the cleaning and the check up.
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