Bone Grafting
Bone grafting and barrier membrane may sound scary, but the procedure has sound and proven results for replacing bone where bone loss has occurred creating a deficit in the height and width of your jaw. It is a process that assists your body in regenerating lost bone. In cases of missing teeth, bone grafting allows Dr. Kantarovich to augment lost bone volume and cover the new grafted bone with barrier membrane to isolate the tissue from growing into the new bone. We always say bone grows on the bone and tissue stays separated from the tissue. When bone loss is due to gum disease, Dr. Kantarovich can add bone in order to save natural teeth. In either case, bone grafting and barrier membrane are highly effective in bringing teeth back to a state of health.
Common Causes of Bone Loss:
- Tooth loss
- Trauma or injury
- Infection
- Gum disease
One of the best ways to prevent bone loss is to replace missing teeth as soon as possible.
Bone grafting begins with a local anesthetic administered to the grafting site. A small opening is made to the area where bone is needed, then Dr. Kantarovich gently places the grafting material to the site and a barrier membrane is layered on top to provide a protective covering. Lastly, the area is sutured. The sutures will dissolve in a few days and in 5 months the area should be converted to hard bone and ready for dental implants if needed.
