Bone Grafting

Bone grafting, also known as ridge augmentation, is procedure commonly used in Periodontics to grow bone in an area of the jaw where it is deficient. Bone loss in the jaw can occur when tooth is extracted or lost due to infection, periodontal disease or trauma. Over time the jaw bone may become atrophied. In order for dental implants to be placed, adequate bone volume must be present in an area. To accomplish this, socket grafting is often used the time of tooth extraction (see section on extraction and ridge preservation). Other times, a separate bone grafting procedure is needed to augment the deficient ridge so that an implant can be successfully placed. Dr. Brancheau has extensive training and experience in a variety of bone grafting techniques. He presented his masters research at the Academy of Osseointegration in 2017 Clinical Innovations series on how to successfully bone graft around dental implants at the time of placement.

Prior to recommending a bone graft, you will be seen for a clinical examination, radiographs and possibly a 3D CBCT image of the jaw. We will discuss the procedure with you and outline the expected results. The two main types of jaw bone deficiencies are horizontal and vertical. There are various methods of grafting and each technique will depend on your specific case.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes between 1 hour and 1.5 hours. The tissue is opened in the area, and bone grafting materials are placed in the deficient site. Bone grafts are either Allograft or human donor bone, Xenograft or bovine bone, and sometimes combined with some of the patient’s own bone from the area. All graft materials are processed and screened to eliminate any chance of rejection. The graft is covered with a barrier membrane which helps retain its shape. The area is sutured and we review your post-op instructions. After 3 weeks, the sutures are removed and we check to make sure healing is going smoothly. After 4-6 months, the graft will be complete and ready for implant placement. We recommend an implant planning appointment at this time to review the placement of implants, and a 3D CBCT scan is often taken.

Lynnwood Periodontics & Implants is committed to providing the most advanced bone grafting services that can be done comfortably and predictably. With Dr. Brancheau’s experience and skill with these procedures, implants can be placed in areas that previously were impossible. We take great pride in being able to restore a patient's ability to chew and improving their quality of life through these implant and regenerative procedures.

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