As mentioned above, bone grafting is needed when oral surgery is seen as an option to address significant bone loss that occurs due to missing teeth. With a bone graft, the doctor can replace bone where it is missing and promote new bone growth. This aids in dental reconstruction when using implants that can restore functionality and esthetic appearance.
A Variety of Bone Grafts for the Best Results

There are different types of bone grafts. This variety of choice gives the doctor and patient the opportunity to place the right type of bone that will provide the best results. Types of bone grafts and substitutes include:

Autogenous Bone Graft: Autogenous bone grafts, or autografts, consist of your own bone that is taken from another part of your body. Bone is typically harvested in a second, separate procedure from the chin, jaw, lower leg, hip, or skull. Autogenous bone grafts are considered best in that the material is your own, live bone. Autografts promote regrowth of your own bone, but may not be the best option for a patient with other medical risks. The doctor will advise you if it is not in your best interest.

Allogeneic Bone Graft: An allogeneic bone graft, otherwise known as an allograft, uses bone harvested from a cadaver that is processed using a freeze-dry method to extract water using a vacuum. The allogeneic bone cannot produce new bone on its own, but does serve as a type of framework or scaffold over which bone from the surrounding areas can grow in to fill the defect or void.

Xenogeneic Bone Graft: Xenogeneic bone comes from the bone of another species, usually a cow. The bone is processed at very high temperatures to avoid potential immune rejection and contamination. Xerographic grafts, like allografts, serve as a framework for new bone to grow on from the surrounding area in order to fill a void or defect.

Both of these options have the advantage of no second procedure to harvest your bone. However, the bond regeneration may take longer than with autografts, with a less predictable outcome.

Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM) / Demineralized Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft (DFDBA) Bone Graft Substitutes: These graft substitute products combine an allograft bone, containing collagen, proteins, and growth factors that are extracted from the allograft bone. It may come in the form of a powder, putty, chips, or a gel that can be injected through a syringe.

Graft Composites: These consist of other bone graft materials and growth factors to achieve the benefits of a variety of substances. Some combination may include: collagen/ceramic composite (which closely resembles the composition of natural bone), DBM combined with bone marrow cells (which aid in the growth of new bone), or a collagen/ceramic/autografts composite.

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs): BMPs are proteins that are naturally produced in the body to promote and regulate bone formation and healing.

Sonic Welding: Dental grafting is the most advanced form of grafting when a significant amount of bone has been lost. This revolutionary grafting technique incorporates 100% resorbable, amorphous, non-crystalline poly-D, lactic acid sheets that replace the missing bone place. This allows the most advanced results of any technique when large portions of bone have been lost.

We help you receive the professional treatment you need to achieve a smile that is healthy, functional, and attractive. The use of synthetic materials also gives the advantage of not requiring a second procedure to harvest bone, reducing risk and pain. As you can see, each bone grafting option has its own risks and benefits.

Drs. Mark and Christen Simpson also offer a host of other oral surgery procedures. To learn more about oral surgery in Charleston, West Virginia, and set up your next appointment with our skilled dentists, please call (304) 342-6162, and schedule your appointment with Simpson Dental PLLC.