Bone Grafting

The roots of natural teeth are embedded in the jaw bone. They provide stimulation to the jaw during chewing, keeping it strong and healthy. When a tooth or teeth are missing, the jaw bone doesn’t receive the stimulation it needs to remain healthy and deteriorates over time. Bone grafts are a remarkable treatment that promotes the growth of new bone in an area where it is needed. This treatment helps more patients become candidates for dental implants because there must be adequate bone in the jaw to support it

At Huntsville Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, Dr. Hudson designs custom treatment plans for every patient. If you’re interested in restorative dental treatment or would like an evaluation of your oral health, please contact our office in Huntsville, AL, to schedule an appointment.

Bone Graft Procedures

Sinus Lift

The maxillary sinuses sit above the upper arch of teeth. There is often not enough bone separating the sinuses from the inside of the mouth to support a dental implant. An oral surgeon lifts up the sinuses and places a grafting material to strengthen the bone. Once healed, there will be enough bone to support a dental implant in the upper arch.

Major Bone Grafting

This treatment repairs jaw defects or larger areas of bone loss, often as a result of birth defects or facial trauma. Dr. Hudson can use the patient’s own bone from the skull, hip, or leg, and place it where more bone is needed in the face. The bone will heal with a special membrane, resulting in stronger and more adequate bone where the loss has occurred.

Socket Preservation

After an adult tooth falls out or is extracted, the empty tooth socket will naturally shrink over time if a dental implant is not placed immediately following extraction. To prevent this, grafting material can be inserted into the empty socket to preserve the shape of the socket. This way, patients will be able to receive dental implants when they are ready, and there will be adequate space and bone to support it.

What is a Bone Graft Made Of?

Bone grafts have been a gift to the field of dentistry by allowing oral surgeons to regrow bone where it has deteriorated. There are many different types of materials that make up different grafts, and Dr. Hudson will determine the right choice for your specific needs. Types of bone grafts include:

• Autogenous Bone Graft. The grafting material is made from your own bone, often harvested from the jaw, lower leg bone, hip, or skull. The risk of rejection is eliminated because it is your own bone. This treatment is also known as autografts.
• Allogenic Bone Graft. This bone is harvested from a cadaver and serves as a framework for the bony walls to grow around. This treatment is also known as allografts.
• Xenogenic Bone Graft. This bone is harvested from a non-living other species, often a cow. Similar to an allogenic graft, it serves as a framework for new bone to grow around.
• Graft Composites. Synthetic materials can make up a bone graft, including collagen/ceramic composite or a combination of bone proteins, collagens, and growth factors.

Repair Lost Bone in Huntsville, AL

Dr. Hudson is a board-certified oral surgeon and physician who has undergone extensive training in restorative dental techniques. Having served patients in Huntsville for many years, Dr. Hudson continues to help more people become candidates for healthy tooth restoration with dental implants. When you visit us for a consultation, we may take 3D scans of your mouth to get a detailed look at your bone structure. We offer a variety of anesthesia and sedation options for any surgical procedure to ensure patients feel comfortable and at ease while in our care.

Bone grafting is a remarkable tool that can improve and preserve your oral health. To learn more about its benefits or to schedule an appointment with our dual-degree surgical expert, contact our office in Huntsville, Alabama, today.