The success of dental implants is directly proportional to the amount of bone present to support the implants. Without sufficient bone, the implants would lack the strong, solid foundation they need to remain firmly in place. It is ultimately this stability that distinguishes dental implants from other methods of restoration.

Fortunately, bone grafting enables patients who might otherwise be precluded from receiving dental implants to become suitable candidates for the treatment. Bone grafting can be used to increase the width or height of bone, as well as to regenerate new bone in areas where, due to injury, tooth loss, disease, or genetics, there is a void in the bone. It can even be used as a preventive measure, reinforcing the bone following the extraction of a tooth. This is a particularly useful technique if the tooth extraction is being performed in preparation for dental implants.

Bone Grafting Techniques

There are several effective grafting techniques, the most common of which is called guided bone regeneration. Through this technique, donor bone is grafted onto the treatment site and covered by a biologically compatible membrane. The donor bone not only replaces missing bone, but also promotes the natural growth of new bone. The membrane that covers the treatment area allows this new bone growth to occur without interference from surrounding oral tissues, such as gum tissue. The bone to be grafted may be harvested from elsewhere on the implant recipient’s body, or may derive from an animal, synthetic, or posthumous human source. The rate of success for implant dentistry is nearly as high for patients who undergo bone grafting as for those who have sufficient natural bone.

Generally, bone grafting will add about four to six months to the dental implant procedure; however, this investment of time is often what ensures the success of implantation.