Bone loss in the jaws and around the teeth may be the result of missing teeth, a congenital anomaly, periodontal disease, or trauma. More than just a detriment to oral health and function, bone loss can also affect one's appearance by nature of the defect, or diminished support for the natural contours of the face.
By performing grafting procedures, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can help restore the bone to its original dimensions to improve facial esthetics, rebuild tissue support, and restore function. Bone grafting also facilitates the successful placement and longevity of dental implants.
A bone graft essentially provides the platform or "scaffolding" for new bone growth to occur. Today, bone graft materials come from a variety of sources. Bone for a graft might be collected from another area of the body, harvested from other natural sources, or made of synthetic materials. The choice depends upon the specific needs of the case.
How the graft is performed also varies. While socket preservation involves the placement of a bone graft directly into an extraction site, onlay grafts are laid directly over the area of boney defect. And, in cases where large boney defects are present, an autogenous graft using the patient's bone may be indicated. The exact size of the defect determines from what part of the body the autogenous bone will be obtained.
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