What is Bone Grafting and Why is it Important?

The human body’s ability to regenerate bone is just one of its remarkable capabilities. A bone graft is a procedure that facilitates this process. It involves transplanting bone in an area where loss or degeneration has occurred so that the body can regrow bone. While it may seem like an invasive process, the truth is that bone grafting has actually become quite a routine procedure – and it’s less invasive than you’d think!

NYC oral surgeon, Ruben Cohen, DDS, founder of Park Avenue Oral & Facial Surgery, explains what oral bone graft surgery is and describes the different types of bone graft procedures. He also addresses how bone grafting facilitates dental implants for patients who may lack the necessary bone needed for successful implantation.

What is dental bone grafting and what is it used for?

Dental bone grafting is a procedure that stimulates the formation and regrowth of bone along the jaw in cases where significant loss or degeneration has occurred. The procedure involves carefully placing grafted bone in the affected area and covering it with a barrier so it can heal properly. Bone grafting is commonly associated with dental implants as it is used to rebuild the jawbone to a suitable height and width for placing artificial roots. The most common reasons bone grafting may be needed include jawbone deterioration from lost teeth/tooth extractions and periodontal disease. To learn more about other common causes, visit our bone grafting procedure page.

What are the types of oral bone graft procedures?

There are several types of bone graft procedures and your oral surgeon will recommend the surgery that is best for your unique circumstance. The different types include:

• Sinus Lift Procedure – A procedure that is done when a patient does not have enough bone in the upper jaw and/or the sinuses are too close to the jaw. It involves elevating the sinus membrane in the back area of the upper jaw and placing the bone graft on the sinus floor.
• Ridge Augmentation – Ridge augmentation involves rebuilding the bone height in the area where dental implants will be placed. The width or thickness of the ridge may also be increased, if necessary. A ridge augmentation is accomplished by placing bone graft material on the existing bone where more bone is needed to place dental implants.
• Socket Bone Preservation – In socket bone grafting, a bone graft is placed at the site of a tooth extraction in order to maintain the bone level necessary for future implant placement. While not always necessary, socket bone grafting allows for more predictable bone formation in anticipation of dental implant procedures.

All types of bone graft procedures can be completed from the comfort of our state-of-the-art Upper East Side office, an accredited surgery center. We offer several dental implant options to our patients, which can conveniently be completed from the same office once proper healing has occurred. These procedures are often done under IV sedation, so that you can be comfortable during the procedure.

Where can I get bone grafting for dental implants in NYC?

If you are looking for an oral surgeon in NYC to perform a bone graft procedure, contact Park Avenue Oral & Facial Surgery today by calling (212) 988-6725. You can also schedule a consultation by filling out the appointment form on this page. We look forward to meeting you and answering all of your questions about this bone-regenerating procedure.