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Bone Grafting Hilo

Major & Minor Bone Grafting

Missing teeth over a period of time can cause your jaw bone to atrophy, or resorb. This often results in poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for the placement of dental implants as well as long term shifting of remaining teeth and changes to facial structure. Most patients, in these situations, are not candidates for dental implants.

Fortunately, advancements today enable us to improve the ability to grow bone in the necessary areas. This not only allows for the placement of implants with the appropriate length and width but also provides an opportunity to restore both function and aesthetic appeal.

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 to protect the bone graft, as well as 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 areas depending on the size needed. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is bone grafting Hilo and why might someone need it?

A: Bone grafting Hilo is a procedure used to restore lost jaw bone in the jaw, particularly in cases where dental implants are being considered. Patients may need this procedure to ensure there is enough bone to hold the dental implants securely.

Q: What are the common types of bone grafts used in oral surgery?

A: The common types of bone grafts include autografts (bone taken from the patient’s own body), allografts (donor bone from a cadaver), xenografts (bone from another species, usually bovine), and synthetic bone graft materials. Each type serves to promote bone formation and can be suitable for different scenarios.

Q: How does the placement of dental implants relate to the need for bone grafting?

A: The placement of dental implants requires sufficient and suitable bone to hold the implant securely. If a patient has lost bone, especially in the upper jaw where the bone separating the maxillary sinus is thin, bone grafting may be necessary to create a solid foundation for the implants.

Q: Are there patients who are not candidates for dental implant placement without bone grafting?

A: Yes, many patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants without adequate bone. If the bone is insufficient due to loss or resorption, a bone grafting procedure may be required to augment the quantity of bone suitable before implants can be placed.

Q: How does the bone grafting procedure work?

A: The bone grafting procedure involves placing bone graft material into the area where bone is lacking. This material can be a type of bone graft or synthetic substitute that promotes new bone formation. Over time, the graft becomes integrated with the existing bone, creating a stronger bone structure for future dental implants.

Q: What is the significance of the maxillary sinus in bone grafting Hilo?

A: The maxillary sinus is significant in bone grafting Hilo because the thin wall of bone separating it from the upper jaw can limit the amount of bone available for implant placement. Bone grafting can help create new sinus bone, making it possible to place dental implants in this area and improve the overall bone structure.

Q: Can synthetic bone graft materials be effectively used in the bone grafting procedure?

A: Yes, synthetic bone graft materials are effectively used in bone grafting procedures. They provide a scaffold for new bone formation and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the patient, making them a popular choice in oral surgery.

Q: How long does it typically take for bone grafts to heal before dental implants can be placed?

A: Healing time for bone grafts can vary depending on the quality and quantity of bone used and the patient’s overall health. Generally, it can take several months for the graft to integrate and heal sufficiently before dental implants can be placed.

In Need of a Bone Graft?

Dr. Rotwein can utilize bone grafts to make your jawbone more suitable for the placement of dental implants, as well as repair defects of the jaws. Contact us today!