Major Bones
Information on Grafting of Major Bones
The art of dentistry has come a long way since George Washington’s famed wooden teeth; grafting major bones of the jaw to repair bone structure is a common practice in today’s dental world.
Bone loss in the jaw can occur after extensive tooth loss is experienced as the bone that previously anchored teeth is actually reabsorbed into the system. When this condition occurs, the individual is not able to receive dental implants in which to anchor teeth. This would leave few options for the person to have the teeth needed for efficient biting, chewing and grinding of food. Lacking these functions, food cannot properly enter the digestive system, and can create a myriad of health problems through malabsorption. This is where grafting of major bones in the jaw enters the picture.
There is a technique used that can actually promote regrowth of bone. This practice provides a natural looking and acting foundation, upon which the dental experts can insert dental implants. It also keeps the jaw formation in the proper alignment that will offer a consistent facial appearance. Grafting of major bones at implant sites are completed using bone from the individual himself, taken from the jaw, tibia or hips; if this is not possible, bone may be obtained from a tissue bank.
Dental implantation on the upper mouth can sometimes pose quite a dilemma due to the close proximity of the sinus cavities. Since the roots of some of the upper teeth reach upwards into the sinus cavities, removing the teeth often leaves a narrow band of bone. This is usually insufficient for securing dental implants, leaving dentures as the only option for the individual. Grafting major bones in a procedure called a “sinus lift graft”, a donor bone is placed in the sinus floor where it will, over a period of months, bond with the roof of the upper jaw as it heals. Once healing is complete, dental implants can be inserted for a natural appearance.
Grafting of major bones is also normally performed when the jaw displays a defect of some type. The defect may be the result of a serious injury, a congenital condition or from surgery to remove a tumor. If the graft site is quite large, bone from the individual is utilized; taken from different areas on the body at the surgeon’s discretion. Common graft sites may be the tibia, the hips or even the skull. Staying in the hospital under the doctor’s supervision is required for the procedure, although it is considered to be a routine surgery.
The procedure of grafting major bones in dentistry is a major advancement and enhancement for those who face bone loss in the jaw due to tooth removal, injuries or surgeries.