Dentistry in Maspeth, NY
Restorative Dentistry and Replacement Teeth
Bone Grafts
When teeth are missing, the jawbone loses part of its natural purpose. As a result, the bone begins to lose mass. To replace missing teeth with dental implants, sufficient bone density and mass are required. Bone can also decompose because of gum disease, trauma, or infection. If the bone is lost, Dr. Lorber will recommend bone grafting prior to implant placement.
Grafting involves adding tissue to an area of the body. The tissue that is added can be taken from the patient’s body (autogenous) or from a donor bank. In a surgical procedure, the graft is placed on existing bone. A bone growth accelerator, made from the patient’s blood or in synthetic form, may be used, as well. In some cases, a barrier is placed on the bone graft to keep gum tissue cells from migrating to the surgical site. The graft may be attached with a small pin or tack.
If you’re considering implants, Dr. Lorber will examine your jawbone tissue to determine whether it will support the implant posts. He may recommend bone grafting as a preliminary procedure to improve the success potential for your implants. Call Dr. Lorber’s office today to schedule a personal consultation. He will be happy to talk about your case, provide a treatment plan, discuss options, and answer all of your questions.