Bone Grafting and Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR)

What are bone grafting and GBR?

Bone grafting replaces missing bone in a simple surgical procedure using material called a bone graft. In addition to replacing lost bone, this procedure can also help your body regrow new bone. Any new bone can help strengthen the area by forming a bridge between existing bone and the bone graft. Eventually, new bone may replace much of the grafted material. GBR is a procedure where a membrane is placed over the bone graft site. GBR promotes new bone growth and the prevention of scar tissue in the grafted site.

Why do I need a bone graft or GBR?

Bone grafts and GBR are needed when a part of your body is missing bone. When there is no tooth present in the jaw, the bone will sometimes melt away due to under function. This bone loss, or “bony defect” can be the result of tooth extraction, trauma, disease, disease states, some medications, or it may be congenital. Many times a bone graft is needed for dental reconstruction or implant surgery when there isn’t enough height or width to the bone in the implant area.

How do I know if I need a bone graft or GBR?

Dr. Cohen will perform a clinical exam, X-ray, and in some cases a CT scan to determine bone loss and the possible bone graft of GBR site.

What is the procedure for a bone graft or GBR?

Once the patient and Dr. Cohen have together decided that a bone graft or GBR is the optimal procedure, a date will be scheduled for surgery in our office location. When the tooth has been removed from the proper area, the tooth socket will be cleaned, removing any inflamed or infected tissue. Once clean, bone grafting material is placed into the socket and sometimes GBR membrane is placed over the grafted material. To finish the procedure, sutures are placed in the gum to allow proper healing.

Are bone grafting and GBR painful procedures?

Before the procedure Dr. Cohen will discuss with you the possible forms of anesthesia appropriate to you as an individual. This may include local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or any combination based on optimal patient comfort as well as medical history and needs. The actual procedure itself is pain free. Post-operatively, there will be swelling and mild to moderate discomfort.

Are there different types of bone grafts?

There are autogenous, homogenous, heterogenous, and synthetic bone graft materials. Autogenous materials are taken from different parts of the patient’s own body, like the hip or chin. Homogenous materials are from a deceased human organ donor. Heterogenous materials are taken from cow bone, and synthetic materials are from highly purified bone mineral.

How successful are bone grafting and GBR?

Success rates for bone grafting and GBR vary from person to person, but in recent years have increased due to technological advances. The overall success of a bone graft or GBR can also vary depending on the type of material used as well the overall health of the patient.

Ridge Expansion

In severe cases, the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase ridge height and/or width. This is a technique used to restore the lost bone dimension when the jaw ridge gets too thin to place conventional implants. In this procedure, the bony ridge of the jaw is literally expanded by mechanical means. Bone graft material can be placed and matured for a few months before placing the implant