BONE GRAFTING
Bone grafting may be performed for several reasons:
- Prepare a site to receive an implant
Time of tooth extraction
Before implant placement (ridge & sinus grafting)
Time of implant placement
- Regenerate lost support for a tooth or implant
Gum disease has traditionally been treated by pocket reduction. Although this is still an effective way of treating gum disease, in some cases an advancement in technology allows for growth of new bone. This procedure is used to stabilize endangered teeth or implants, and can also be used 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, Drs. Meraw, Plonka or Lopez-Torres may recommend tissue regeneration. During this procedure, the pockets are cleaned thoroughly, and a dissolvable membrane placed undere the gums. The membrane covers the pocket so that fast-growing soft tissue is blocked, and slower-growing bone can begin to grow, or “regenerate” itself.
Drs. Meraw, Plonka or Lopez-Torres will help you determine if bone grafting is right for you.