Patients who are experiencing bone loss in their jaw may be candidates for a procedure called bone grafting. Bone grafting adds volume and density to the affected area of bone loss. Your own tissue grows and regenerates where a bone graft is placed. We sometimes combine this with PRP therapy. Platelet Rich Plasma is derived from your own blood and injected back into the treatment area. This process promotes tissue regeneration, allowing your body to heal faster. 

There are several different methods used to develop bone grafts: 

• Autogenous Grafts: are developed by taking materials from your own body
• Xenografts: are purchased from animal tissue banks
• Allografts: which are purchased from human tissue banks
• Alloplasts: which are synthetically created and modified

The four main types of bone grafts:

• Ridge Augmentation provides implants with a stable foundation by adding width and volume to the jaw bone.
• Socket Preservation prevents socket caving by filling the void after a tooth is extracted.
• Periodontal Bone Grafting provides support to existing teeth that may have become loose due to gum disease eroding the bone
• Sinus Lifts raise the sinuses back to their natural position when missing upper back teeth have caused them to drop. Prior to placing implants, a sinus lift may be required to avoid penetration of the sinus membrane. 

Before the implant is placed, bone grafts must be allowed time to heal completely. Though it may seem intense, this procedure is surprisingly common. Rest assured that you are in good hands here at Northwestern Dental Group.