Bone Graft and Regeneration

Bone Regeneration

Over time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth can atrophy or be reabsorbed, leading to poor bone quality and quantity, which can make dental implant placement difficult. Fortunately, modern dental techniques allow us to regenerate bone where necessary. This not only provides the opportunity to place implants of the proper length and width, but also restores both function and aesthetic appearance, helping you regain confidence in your smile.

For successful dental implant placement, having sufficient bone is crucial for achieving a natural look and optimal function. Advances in modern dentistry and oral surgery have made bone regeneration a routine treatment in periodontal and oral surgery. If only a single tooth implant is required, a relatively small amount of bone grafting material will be used. Our team at Melbourne Family Dentist can source bone grafting material from a variety of places. In some cases, we can place an implant and bone graft simultaneously, allowing for bone regeneration while the implant heals. However, we ensure there is enough natural bone to stabilize the implant before proceeding.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is used to repair implant sites with insufficient bone structure due to extractions, gum disease, or injuries. The bone can either be sourced from a tissue bank or taken from your own jawbone. In certain cases, sinus bone grafts are performed to replace bone in the upper jaw. Special dissolvable membranes may be used to protect the graft and encourage bone regeneration through a technique called guided tissue regeneration.

Candidates for bone grafting include individuals who have lost teeth due to extraction, injury, or congenital conditions. Since dental implants function like natural teeth, a strong foundation of bone is essential to ensure their stability and longevity. If your jawbone is too thin or soft to support an implant, bone grafting may be required before the implant surgery.

We offer various types of bone grafting treatments depending on the extent of bone loss. For significant bone loss or jaw defects, we may recommend major bone grafting, where bone tissue is extracted from another part of your body. Local anesthesia is administered before the procedure, and a small incision is made in your gum tissue to place the graft. After surgery, you may experience some discomfort, which we will manage with anti-inflammatory medication or pain relievers. Over time, your body will naturally replace the graft with its own bone, reversing previous bone loss.