Bone Grafting Asheville NC

Types of Bone Grafts

1. Autogenous Bone Grafts (Autografts)
   This type of graft uses your own bone, usually taken from areas like the chin, jaw, hip, or tibia. Autografts are ideal because they are composed of living bone tissue, which promotes faster healing and reduces the risk of rejection. However, this procedure requires a second surgery to harvest the bone.

2. Allogenic Bone Grafts (Allografts)
   These grafts are made from donor bone (cadaver bone) and are processed to eliminate any living cells. While they don’t regenerate bone on their own, allogenic grafts provide a scaffold that encourages the growth of new bone from the surrounding tissue.

3. Xenogenic Bone Grafts (Xenografts)
   Derived from animals, typically cows, xenografts are processed to prevent immune rejection. Like allografts, xenografts act as a framework for new bone to grow but do not promote bone regeneration on their own.

4. Bone Graft Substitutes
   Synthetic materials can also be used as alternatives to real bone, including:

   • Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM): A processed allograft bone that contains proteins and growth factors to promote bone healing.
   • Graft Composites: These consist of various bone materials combined with growth factors to accelerate bone regeneration.
   • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs): Naturally occurring proteins in the body that stimulate bone growth and healing.

Each grafting option offers unique benefits and is chosen based on your specific condition. Drs. Mancia, Spagnoli, or Hussain will help determine the most appropriate choice for your needs.

Major Bone Grafting

Major bone grafting is typically required when there is significant bone loss due to trauma, disease, or congenital defects. This procedure may involve harvesting bone from the patient’s own body, commonly from the hip, tibia, or skull, or using bone from a tissue bank. The grafts can be large and require careful planning to ensure a proper fit for dental implants.

For patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw, sinus bone grafts (also known as sinus lifts) are performed to restore the bone structure in the posterior maxilla (upper jaw area).

Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR): In some cases, specialized membranes are used to protect the graft and help new bone form more effectively. This technique is known as guided tissue regeneration and enhances the healing process.

Minor Bone Grafting

Minor bone grafting is often used in less complex cases where there is a need to fill small gaps or cavities in the jawbone. These grafts typically involve less invasive procedures and faster recovery times. They are often performed in preparation for dental implants or to help maintain the bone structure following tooth extraction.

Causes of Jaw Bone Loss

Several factors can lead to jawbone loss, which may require bone grafting:

1. Tooth Extractions
   After a tooth is removed, the jawbone no longer receives the stimulation it needs, leading to resorption. Most bone loss occurs in the first 18 months after tooth extraction.

2. Periodontal Disease
   Gum disease can destroy the structures that support your teeth, including the bone. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause significant bone loss, requiring grafting to restore the affected areas.

3. Dentures and Bridgework
   Traditional dentures and bridges do not provide direct stimulation to the underlying bone, which can lead to further bone loss over time. Bone grafting can help prevent further deterioration and improve denture stability.

4. Facial Trauma
   Injuries to the face or teeth, such as fractures or tooth loss from accidents, can result in significant bone loss. Grafting is necessary to restore both function and appearance.

5. Misalignment
   Teeth that are out of alignment or lack proper occlusion (bite) can cause bone deterioration due to uneven stress on the jaw. Over time, this can lead to bone loss that requires grafting to correct.

6. Osteomyelitis and Tumors
   Bacterial infections in the bone (osteomyelitis) or benign and malignant tumors may require bone removal and subsequent grafting to restore function and appearance.

7. Developmental Deformities
   Some congenital conditions result in missing bone or teeth, which can be treated with bone grafting to restore normal structure.

8. Sinus Deficiencies
   When molars are removed from the upper jaw, the maxillary sinus may expand, causing bone loss in the area. A sinus lift can restore the necessary bone volume for dental implants.

Potential Consequences of Bone Loss

Bone loss in the jaw can lead to a number of serious issues, including:

• Shifting and misalignment of remaining teeth
• Changes in facial appearance, such as a collapsed profile
• Difficulty speaking and eating
• Pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or headaches
• Increased risk of tooth loss
• Reduced ability to chew, leading to poor nutrition

Restoring Your Smile with Bone Grafting

At our Asheville, NC practice, we offer advanced bone grafting techniques to restore the health and appearance of your smile. Whether you require a major bone graft due to significant bone loss or a minor procedure to prepare for dental implants, we have the expertise to help.

Drs. Mancia, Spagnoli, and Hussain are committed to providing exceptional care and restoring your smile with state-of-the-art bone grafting procedures.

Schedule Your Consultation Today
Take the first step toward restoring your smile and reclaiming your confidence. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how bone grafting can improve your oral health.