The loss of one or more teeth can result in bone atrophy since the roots are what stimulate jawbone growth. Insufficient jawbone density is a leading reason for deficient candidacy for dental implant placement. If you have insufficient jawbone density, Dr. Timothy Pfister, who has over 35 years of dental experience, can help restore your candidacy for dental implants using bone grafting. The straightforward procedure is performed at our New Hartford, NY, dental practice and places donor bone tissue or grafting material in a patient’s jawbone. Once you have fully recovered from the restorative treatment, Dr. Pfister can schedule your dental implant placement.

The majority of patients who seek dental implant candidacy by undergoing bone grafting at our New Hartford dental practice are good candidates for treatment. Often, candidates for bone grafting have experienced:

• Missing teeth
• Advanced periodontal disease
• Years of tobacco use
• Jaw trauma
• Congenital defects
• Advanced age

Low jawbone density does not mean that you can never gain the life-changing benefits of implants. Bone grafting is a safe, effective treatment that can help restore your candidacy for an implant-retained denture, implant-retained bridge, or other restorative treatment. As with any surgery, patients should be in good overall health and free of any medical condition that could complicate surgery.

When examining your jawbone structure, Dr. Pfister may determine that you are a good candidate for All-on-4® implant-supported dentures or mini implants. Both treatment options give Dr. Pfister flexibility when determining whether you will need to undergo bone grafting prior to dental implant placement.

Bone grafting is a safe and effective surgery. Millions of bone graft procedures are performed each year in the United States. Patients who undergo a bone graft at our New Hartford dental practice can benefit from:

• A safe and commonly performed procedure
• Restored candidacy for dental implants
• Reduced risk of dental implant failure
• The reversal of jawbone atrophy
• Improved oral health
• A stronger jawbone
• A high surgical success rate

You may receive a bone graft or sinus lift depending on your particular case. Your surgery will begin with the administration of local anesthesia and one of three forms of sedation dentistry (nitrous oxide, oral, and IV sedation). Once you are comfortable, Dr. Pfister will begin your treatment by making a small incision in your gums. Grafting material or donor bone will be placed in the area of your jawbone that has atrophied. Once the donor bone/material has been placed, your incisions will be sutured. Discomfort following the surgery can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and ice. Full recovery usually takes three to six months.

Bone grafting is a safe and commonly performed treatment that restores candidacy for dental implants. To schedule your bone grafting consultation, contact our office online or call Aesthetic Oral Arts at (315) 417-1046.