At Allouez Family Dental, a bone graft is a surgical procedure aimed at augmenting or restoring bone in the jaw to provide a stable foundation for dental implants or other restorative treatments. This technique is commonly employed when a patient has insufficient natural bone mass due to factors such as tooth loss, trauma, or periodontal disease. During the procedure, bone graft material, sourced from the patient's body, a donor, or synthetic materials, is placed in the deficient area. Over time, the graft integrates with the existing bone, promoting new bone growth and creating a more robust, supportive structure for dental procedures like implant placement. Bone grafts are crucial for enhancing the success and longevity of various dental treatments.

The Types of Bone Grafts

Autografts

Bone grafts are harvested from the patient's body, often from the chin, jaw, hip, or tibia. Autografts are considered the gold standard due to their compatibility and ability to promote natural bone growth.

Allografts

Donor bone grafts are sourced from another individual, typically cadavers. Allografts are processed and treated to remove potential contaminants while preserving the bone's structural properties. They provide an alternative when using the patient's bone is not feasible.

Xenografts

Bone grafts are derived from animal sources, commonly bovine or porcine. Like allografts, xenografts undergo processing to minimize the risk of rejection or disease transmission. They serve as an alternative when autografts or allografts are not suitable.

Alloplastic grafts

Synthetic bone graft materials include hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, or bioactive glass. These materials are biocompatible and promote bone growth. Alloplastic grafts eliminate the need for a second surgical site for graft harvesting.

The Benefits of Bone Grafts

Improved Stability for Implants

Bone grafts in Green Bay, WI, provide a foundation of sufficient bone mass and density, enhancing dental implants' stability and success rate. This is particularly important in cases where natural bone has deteriorated due to tooth loss, trauma, or periodontal disease.

Preservation of Facial Structure

Tooth loss or bone atrophy can lead to changes in facial structure, causing a sunken appearance. Bone grafts help maintain the natural contours of the jaw and face by preventing bone resorption and preserving the overall aesthetics of the smile.

Enhanced Functionality

Adequate bone support is essential for adequately functioning teeth and structures. Bone grafts contribute to the restoration of chewing function and overall oral functionality by providing a solid base for dental prosthetics and implants.

Prevention of Further Bone Loss

Bone grafts replace lost bone and stimulate the body's natural bone regeneration processes. This helps prevent further bone loss and deterioration, creating a more sustainable and long-term solution for maintaining oral health.

If you are considering dental implants or other restorative procedures and have concerns about insufficient bone mass, visit Allouez Family Dental at 2805 Libal Street, Suite C, Green Bay, WI 54301, or call (920) 339-8980 to schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team today.