Bone grafting is typically performed on patients who want dental implants but have been missing their teeth for an extended period or must first undergo an extraction. When your teeth are healthy, the act of chewing stimulates your jaw through the tooth root, keeping your bone healthy. However, when you are missing teeth, your jaw loses this stimulation and begins deteriorating. In these instances, a bone graft can restore lost bone and allow for dental implant placement.
If you need to have a tooth extracted and want to plan for dental implants in the future, bone grafting can help preserve your jaw until you are ready. Dr. Heiner can perform your bone grafting procedure at any of our convenient locations in Las Cruces, NM, and Roswell, NM.
Bone Grafting Procedures
There are four types of bone grafting procedures most commonly performed at Oral & Facial Surgery of New Mexico. The method of bone grafting needed to restore your oral health will depend on your specific condition, and Dr. Heiner will determine what is best for your needs at your consultation appointment. The following are the four most likely bone grafting options available when you visit our office:
- Socket preservation. Socket preservation is performed after a tooth extraction; the bone graft will be inserted directly into the tooth socket once your tooth has been removed. This treatment allows Dr. Heiner to prevent the rapid loss of the bone that typically occurs with tooth loss. Once you are ready for dental implants, this bone graft will provide the support needed for successful placement.
- Ridge expansion. A ridge expansion creates space for a dental implant by expanding the height and width of your alveolar ridge. The alveolar bone ridge is the bone that holds up your upper and lower rows of teeth.
- Sinus lift. A sinus lift is a bone graft positioned between the sinus cavity and the rest of your upper teeth. The sinus cavity is located above your teeth and behind your cheeks. Usually, the bone that separates the sinus from your teeth is very thin, so a sinus lift will create a more supportive foundation for a dental implant to be inserted while preventing the tooth from entering the sinus.
- Major bone grafting. Major bone grafting procedures are used to restore a large amount of bone in your jaw. Usually, this type of bone graft is required to repair bone damaged by a facial trauma injury, periodontal disease, a facial tumor, or a birth defect.
Bone Grafting at Oral & Facial Surgery of New Mexico
Dr. Heiner has completed years of training beyond what is required of dentists. He has extensive experience with all types of bone grafting procedures, and he can ensure you receive the best treatment possible. If you are missing teeth or need an extraction and want to know more about bone grafting for dental implant placement, please feel free to contact our office. Our team is happy to answer your questions and schedule you a consultation appointment.
