Bone Grafting in Preparation for Implants

When a patient has been missing a tooth for a long time, bone loss occurs. Bone grafting can restore necessary bone to provide a solid base for dental implants.

The surgical procedure

During the bone grafting procedure, the gum tissue is pushed away and a bone grafting material is added to the deficient area. Next, a resorbable membrane is placed over the graft. This membrane not only contains the material within the desired space, but it also prevents soft tissue from growing into the graft. Usually four to six months of healing is needed before the implant can be safely placed.

Questions to ask if you are considering a bone grafting procedure:

• If I wear a temporary partial replacing the tooth, can I wear it after the procedure?
• Where does the bone come from?
• How long will my mouth be sore?
• How long does it take for the membrane to resorb?
• Can the implant and bone grafting be performed at the same time?

Contact our periodontists in our Hamden or New Haven Connecticut office to learn more about bone grafting.