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Procedures

Bone grafting

Treatment options

In most dental situations, you have the time to evaluate your treatment choices. No treatment is always an option, but may not be in your best interest. If you elect to be treated, there is often more than one way to proceed. Common treatment options for this procedure are listed on this page.

Generally, the bone grafting process is merely a step in a larger plan. If the ridge is resorbed and the plan is not for implant placement, the step can be eliminated, but the cosmetic result may not be as desirable.

If the plan is for a fixed bridge, the option to grafting is gum (gingiva) shaded porcelain to prevent the pontic (replaced tooth) from appearing too long.

If the plan is for a removable partial denture, a resorbed ridge can be camouflaged with pink denture base material.

If grafting is being done to allow placement of a longer implant, it may be possible to consider a short implant— if the bone is dense enough. Factors to consider may include how the implant will be restored (i.e. crown, bridge, denture), and the relative load it will be experiencing in function. There may be other considerations based on the patient's unique situation.

Your individual situation may include other treatment options, which your dentist may discuss with you.

More information on dental procedures

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Dental procedure image: Removable dentures
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