Routine Bone Grafts

These grafts are utilized for ridge preservation following extractions and to repair various bone defects from gum disease. Gum disease frequently causes a variety of bone defects that become apparent when the gum flap is opened and require bone grafts for regeneration and repair.

After cleaning, the graft material is packed into the area where bone has been lost. A special membrane may also be placed between the gum and bone.

The gum is then closed. The graft may stimulate new bone growth. New bone tissue fills in the crater, providing strong support for the tooth. After healing, stitches dissolve or are removed.

Gum Grafts

Gum grafts from the palate are used to repair advanced gum recession and other defects. Free gingival grafts are taken from the full thickness of the palate tissue. Connective tissue grafts can be removed from the undersurface of the palate leaving the overlying gum intact.

Thin, recessed gums reveal tooth roots, causing sensitivity and an uneven gumline.

Thin gums are reinforced with grafted tissue, helping to prevent further recession. In some cases, exposed tooth roots may be covered to improve appearance.

Guided Tissue Regeneration

This procedure utilizes a resorbable membrane placed to cover the bone graft to permit superior bone regeneration and healing. Bone for the grafts can come from a tissue bank or from the patient’s lower jaw sites via various harvesting techniques previously described here.

After cleaning a special membrane is inserted between the gum and bone.

The membrane blocks unwanted tissue, allowing ligament fibers and bone to grow. Once strong ligament fibers attach root to bone, the membrane dissolves or is removed. Stitches are also removed.