Bone Grafting in chicago

Major & Minor Bone Grafting

Over time, missing teeth can lead to jawbone atrophy, also known as bone resorption. This process reduces the quality and quantity of bone, often making dental implants difficult or impossible to place. In addition, it can cause shifting of remaining teeth and changes to facial structure. However, with advancements in bone grafting, we now have the ability to restore lost bone, promoting growth and making dental implants a viable solution for many patients.

What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a procedure that helps restore bone where it has been lost, allowing us to place dental implants of proper length and width. It also helps restore the functionality and aesthetics of the mouth. The process can involve using bone from the patient’s body, tissue banks, or synthetic materials to rebuild the jawbone.

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Major Bone Grafting

Major bone grafting is often required when significant bone loss has occurred due to tooth extractions, gum disease, or trauma. This may involve bone harvested from the patient’s body, such as the jaw, hip, or tibia, or from a tissue bank. In cases of sinus bone grafting, we can replace bone in the posterior upper jaw to facilitate proper implant placement.

In some procedures, special membranes that dissolve under the gum are used to protect the graft and encourage bone regeneration. This technique, known as guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration, helps promote new bone growth in the treated area.

Types of Bone Grafts

1. Autogenous Bone Grafts (Autografts): These grafts use the patient’s own bone, usually taken from the chin, jaw, hip, or skull. Since this bone contains living cells, it promotes natural bone growth. However, it requires a second procedure to harvest the bone, which may not always be ideal depending on the patient’s condition.

2. Allogenic Bone (Allografts): This type of graft is made from deceased donor bone that has been processed to remove moisture. Allogenic bone does not form new bone on its own but serves as a scaffold for the patient’s bone to grow into the defect.

3. Xenogenic Bone: Sourced from animals, typically cows, xenogenic bone undergoes a high-temperature treatment to avoid immune rejection. Like allogenic bone, it serves as a framework for the patient’s natural bone to regenerate.

4. Bone Graft Substitutes: Synthetic materials, such as demineralized bone matrix (DBM) or bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), offer alternatives to natural bone. These materials are processed to encourage bone growth and can be injected or used in putty or powder form. They reduce the need for a second surgery to harvest bone and are proven to be safe and effective.

Reasons for Jawbone Loss and Deterioration

Several factors can contribute to jawbone loss, which may require bone grafting:

• Tooth Extractions: When teeth are removed and not replaced, the alveolar bone no longer receives stimulation and begins to resorb.

• Periodontal Disease: Gum infections can gradually destroy the support structure of your teeth, leading to bone loss.

• Dentures and Bridgework: Unanchored dentures and bridgework can lead to bone deterioration over time due to lack of stimulation.

• Trauma: Injuries that damage teeth or the jaw can stop bone stimulation, causing resorption.

• Misalignment: Teeth misalignment can cause bone deterioration where teeth fail to properly interact.

• Osteomyelitis: A bacterial infection in the bone can lead to inflammation and require bone grafting to restore function.

• Tumors: Benign and malignant tumors often require bone removal, which can be repaired with grafting.

• Developmental Deformities: Some genetic conditions may cause missing bone that can be treated with grafting procedures.

• Sinus Deficiencies: When the upper jaw’s molars are lost, the maxillary sinus can enlarge, leading to insufficient bone for dental implants. A sinus lift procedure can correct this issue by restoring bone in the area.

Ready to Restore Your Dental Health?

Whether you need major or minor bone grafting, our team of experts—including Dr. Sinha, Dr. Malik, Dr. Sahni, Dr. Zawada, Dr. Simoni, Dr. Luria, and Dr. Jain—can determine the best approach for your specific needs. Contact our offices in Chicago, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, or Midway to learn more about bone grafting and take the next step in improving your dental health.