Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.

We now have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance. The bone graft procedures are referred to as:

Sinus Lift Procedure

This procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and placing the bone graft onto the sinus floor, allowing implants to be placed in the back part of the upper jaw.

Ridge-augmentation

In severe cases the ridge has been resorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase the ridge height and/or width.

Distraction Osteogenesis

A method of “stretching” bone and the overlying soft tissue to achieve adequate bone height and width in which to place dental implants while maintaining optimal gingival health.

Nerve-repositioning

The inferior alveolar nerve, which gives feeling to the lower lip and chin, may need to be moved in order to make room for placement of dental implants to the lower jaw.

These procedures may be performed separately or together, depending upon the individual's condition. There are several areas of the body which are suitable for obtaining bone grafts. In the maxillofacial region, bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region or in the upper jaw behind the last tooth. In more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from the hip or the outer aspect of the tibia at the knee.

The more extensive surgeries are performed in the out-office surgical suite under IV sedation or general anesthesia. After discharge, bed rest is recommended for one day and limited physical activity for one week.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Autologous Platelet Concentrate enriched with growth factors (APC+) is one tool used by surgeons to help improve surgical outcomes. APC+ is made from a small sample of your own blood (approximately 1 oz). The process concentrates the platelets found in the blood sample. These concentrated platelets contain huge reservoirs of growth and wound healing factors. Growth and wound healing factors are natural components of your body. Clinical data has shown that growth and healing factors may enhance and accelerate your body’s normal healing process. Potential benefits of APC+ include the reduction of bleeding and bruising, decreased inflammation and swelling, enhanced wound closure, accelerated bone growth, and reduction of overall healing times. Autologous Platelet Concentrate (APC) is composed of platelets and plasma. Platelets are tiny cells that are partially responsible for causing blood to clot. Platelets also contain large reservoirs of natural growth factors. While a normal concentration of platelets circulating in your blood is 200,000 per micro litre, the platelet count in PRP can exceed 2 million platelets per micro litre.