Bone regeneration or bone augmentation is the process of building up healthy bone to support dental implants or to retain an aesthetically-pleasing smile. Bone regeneration is done with the help of bone graft, which requires integrating bone material with the existing bone in your jaw.

At Tualatin Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we may recommend a bone regeneration procedure if your jaw density has deteriorated due to tooth loss or periodontal disease. This procedure can help stop and reverse bone loss.

USES FOR BONE REGENERATION

If you have experienced periodontal disease, severe trauma to your tooth or jaw, or tooth extraction, the quantity, and quality of your jawbone may be compromised. Below are several reasons why you may need a bone regeneration procedure:

Fenestration and Dehiscence

Fenestration and dehiscence are two similar conditions which involve bone loss. Fenestration of the tooth involves isolated areas where the tooth root is stripped of bone, and the root surface is only covered by periosteum, a layer of vascular connective tissue, and overlying gums.

Dehiscence occurs when the tooth root is denuded of bone and only covered by the periosteum and gingiva; unlike in fenestration, however, the condition extends to the marginal bone.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is required to build up bone in the jaw to support dental implants. It involves taking bone material from another area of your body or an animal, or using synthetic material and packing it into your jawbone. The bone graft and jawbone will fuse and help make a stable foundation for the implant.

Socket Preservation

Socket preservation involves a tooth socket graft to reduce bone resorption after tooth extraction. This is done immediately after a tooth is removed.

Sinus Lift

Subantral graft or a sinus lift procedure increases the height of your upper jaw above your molars and increases the distance between your jaw and sinus to allow for the placement of dental implants.

Ridge Expansion

In ridge expansion surgery, the bone in the upper jaw is divided, and bone graft material packed into the divided area to widen the upper jaw. This is done to form new bone to support dental implants.

Distraction Osteogenesis

Distraction osteogenesis is used to turn a shorter bone into a long bone without the use of bone grafts. The procedure involves cutting the bone and placing distraction devices that pull apart the two pieces slowly. The space is filled with new bone growth.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A BONE REGENERATION PROCEDURE?

After getting a bone augmentation procedure, Dr. Emerson Rowley, DMD will give you oral care instructions while you wait for your new bone to regenerate. Bone regeneration requires about 4 to 9 months to heal completely depending on the condition of your jaw. During that time, you will not be able to wear dentures or eat hard food.

We will also prescribe antibiotics and pain medications to manage infection and discomfort, and a mouthwash to supplement your oral care regimen.

Regenerating your bone to get dental implants may seem like a complicated procedure; however, it can help you win a great smile again. If you are interested in the procedure, call us at (503) 692-1450 so that we can examine your oral health and determine if this procedure is right for you.