Socket Preservation
To preserve an empty tooth socket following the loss or extraction of a tooth, you may receive a small oral bone graft to fill the socket. This procedure is simple, safe, and effective, affording you a quick recovery time and continual benefits, such as increased jaw bone health. For several weeks following the socket preservation procedure, the bone graft that was placed in your socket integrates with your natural bone, providing a solid anchor for a replacement dental implant.
Sinus Lift Procedure
Behind your cheeks and on top of your upper teeth, you have maxillary sinuses, which always remain empty. The bone that separates your mouth from these sinuses is typically very thin, making it difficult to place stable implants into the bone following tooth loss. Fortunately, the surgical team at Oral & Facial Surgery Institute of Houston utilizes a bone grafting technique that solves this problem, called a sinus lift. During the procedure, Dr. Johnson carefully enters into the sinus cavity and lift the sinus membrane. Once he has safely entered this area, our oral surgeon can place a bone graft that will integrate with the jaw bone over several months following the procedure. Once the bone graft has been fully integrated with the jaw bone, dental implants can be placed in a separate surgical visit.
Ridge Expansion
The bone that surrounds and supports the teeth, known as the alveolar ridge bone, can naturally deteriorate or become less dense over time. When this occurs, a special type of bone grafting procedure, known as a ridge expansion, can help to strengthen and support the bone. A ridge expansion is a more complex form of bone grafting that involves surgically splitting the bony ridge of the jaw and inserting bone graft material into the new space created by Dr. Johnson. The procedure is designed to widen the jaw to increase the bone width and create a solid anchor for dental implants.
More Information about Bone Grafting:
Wikipedia – Bone Grafting Information