Bone Grafting and Reconstruction

When an area of your body is missing bone, this deficient area is frequently called a “bony defect”. These defects may be as a result of:

  • Trauma
  • Tooth extractions or long-term tooth loss
  • Cysts or tumor surgery
  • Periodontal (gum) disease

A bone graft is a surgical procedure that replaces missing bone with material from the patient’s own body (autogenous) or with an artificial, synthetic or natural substitute (allograft). The graft not only replaces the bone, but can actually help your body to re-grow bone that has been lost.

Depending on the anatomic region, a variety of augmentation techniques may be used. Your surgeon will determine your particular needs and will recommend the appropriate technique as well as any alternatives. If autogenous graft is recommended, appropriate sites will also be reviewed at that time. Anesthetic options will also be discussed at this time.