Bone Grafting
Major & Minor Bone Grafting
Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.
Today, we have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.
Major Bone Grafting
Bone grafting can repair dental implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease or injuries. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaw, hip or tibia (below the knee). Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum and protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration or guided tissue regeneration.
Major bone grafts are typically performed to repair defects of the jaws. These defects may arise as a result of traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital defects. Large defects are repaired using the patient’s own bone. This bone is harvested from a number of different sites depending on the size of the defect. The skull (cranium), hip (iliac crest), and lateral knee (tibia), are common donor sites. These procedures are routinely performed in an operating room and require a hospital stay.
In Need of a Bone Graft?
Dr. Olawoye can utilize bone grafts to make your jawbone more suitable for the placement of dental implants as well as repair defects of the jaws. Contact us today!
Sinus Lift Procedure
The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and on top of the upper teeth. Sinuses are like empty rooms that have nothing in them. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed, there is often just a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants need bone to hold them in place. When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone.
There is a solution and it’s called a sinus graft or sinus lift graft. The oral surgeon enters the sinus from where the upper teeth used to be. The sinus membrane is then lifted upward and donor bone is inserted into the floor of the sinus. Keep in mind that the floor of the sinus is the roof of the upper jaw. After several months of healing, the bone becomes part of the patient’s jaw and dental implants can be inserted and stabilized in this new sinus bone.
The sinus graft makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants when years ago there was no other option other than wearing loose dentures.
If enough bone between the upper jaw ridge and the bottom of the sinus is available to stabilize the implant well, sinus augmentations and implant placement can sometimes be performed as a single procedure. If not enough bone is available, the sinus augmentation will have to be performed first, then the graft will have to mature for several months, depending upon the type of graft material used. Once the graft has matured, the implants can be placed.
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.
Nerve Repositioning
The inferior alveolar nerve, which gives feeling to the lower lip and chin, may need to be moved in order to make room for placement of dental implants in the lower jaw. This procedure is limited to the lower jaw and indicated when teeth are missing in the area of the two back molars and/or and second premolar, with the above-mentioned secondary condition. Since this procedure is considered a very aggressive approach (there is almost always some postoperative numbness of the lower lip and jaw area, which dissipates only very slowly, if ever), usually other, less aggressive options are considered first (placement of blade implants, etc.).
Typically, an outer section of the cheek side of the lower jawbone is removed in order to expose the nerve and vessel canal. Then we isolate the nerve and vessel bundle in that area and slightly pull it out to the side. At the same time, we will place the implants. Then the bundle is released and placed back over the implants. The surgical access is refilled with bone graft material of the surgeon’s choice and the area is closed.
These procedures may be performed separately or together, depending upon the individual’s condition. As stated earlier, there are several areas of the body that are suitable for attaining bone grafts. In the maxillofacial region, bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region, or in the upper jaw behind the last tooth. In more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from the hip or the outer aspect of the tibia at the knee. When we use the patient’s own bone for repairs, we generally get the best results.
In many cases, we can use allograft material to implement bone grafting for dental implants. This bone is prepared from cadavers and used to promote the patients own bone to grow into the repair site. It is quite effective and very safe. Synthetic materials can also be used to stimulate bone formation. We even use factors from your own blood to accelerate and promote bone formation in graft areas.
These surgeries are performed in the out-office surgical suite under IV sedation or general anesthesia. After discharge, bed rest is recommended for one day and limited physical activity for one week.
Hunterdon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Specialists
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came to see Dr. O. for information and an explanation of what would be the best route for me to take in the future regarding tooth and jaw bone problems. He gave me a very complete explanation of what choices I have and all the ramifications involved. The visit was very informative, removed many of my fears, and gave me a direction to take in order to meet the financial obligations that I have to plan for. I was very pleased with Dr. O and all his staff in helping me come to a solution to my problem. Now I know what the road ahead looks like and what I have to do for the ride.
- Carol C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone in Dr. O's office was welcoming, pleasant and reassuring. Dr. O was equally pleasant and reassuring. My procedure was performed quickly and expertly.
- Joanne M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
From scheduling the consult, to the post surgery follow up visit, the entire staff is caring and professional. I have 2 more children who will need their wisdom teethe removed. We will be back in the near future!
- Patricia m
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would just like to say that my experience at this dental oral surgeon office was the best that I've ever had. I have only had just a few however the staff was so comforting and overwhelmingly family like it made things so much better. They were so polite and were so willing to work with me as far as scheduling is concerned etc. as far as Dr. O. There's no one better. He is a highly intelligent skilled individual who is very kind and gentle I suggest this practice over all else. He is someone who truly wants what is best for his patients and it shows in his work/proceedings/ staff and end result.
- David R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would highly recommend Dr. O for wisdom teeth removal
- ella M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had three (3) implants & bone grafts (in a row) on my lower right side in the back where teeth have been pulled over the years. I was under intravenous anesthesia and woke up when the procedure was near the end. Dr. O explains everything very thoroughly and the procedure went very well. A little pain afterwards, but I've had more pain after tooth extractions and apicoectomies from other offices. I would definitely recommend Dr. O to anyone needing oral and maxillofacial surgery. And his staff is friendly.
- Daniel R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very thankful that Dr. O. Listened to my concerns regarding the IV. The staff is very friendly and made me feel calmer.
- Jonathan A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. O, Jill, Helga, Sharon and the entire staff were the most caring, helpful office I have been in. They were attentive to all our needs, explained all procedures and made our experience pleasant. A very professional, knowlegeable and caring staff. Would recommend them highly.
- Jake M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
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- Kim C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. O and his staff were professional and extremely helpful with all aspects of my son's procedure.
- Erin G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I highly recommend Dr. O and his staff. They were patient and comforting dealing with my daughter who has anxiety! I they got her through the procedure ~ she even ame out smiling! I thank you!!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I highly recommend this office. They area a friendly group, conveniently located and a pleasure to deal with.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Would recommend office to friends. Very satisfied with treatment
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I highly recommend Dr. O and his staff
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Nicole and Helga are awesome
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Nicole and Helga were great... Very comforting
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr O is great!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. O and his staff are wonderful! We couldn't be happier! No complaints or issues whatsoever! I highly recommend!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
We look forward to bringing my other 5 children here in the future, if needed after the great experience we had with my first son.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
We feel very fortunate to have Dr. o and his staff available for our oral surgery needs. They treated my kids with respect and compassion and provided excellent care. I can not thank them enough! I whole heartedly recommend that others seek and use their service when needed.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
If I had to do it all again, I would!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for the pleasant (not painful) experience today. I'll see you in 4 months.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. O and his staff were great. They worked through the insurance issues with ease. It's our second child going through this, both here, both were great experiences.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
We were recommended by previous patient Ruth. We are completely satisfied and would recommend to Everyone. Easiest Dr appointment and procedure. Thank you to staff , assistants and Dr.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am 100 percent happy with Dr. O and his very capable staff. They are all excellent! I will recommend this practice to my family and friends!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This is my second child having their wisdom teeth extracted by Dr. O. Their staff are very friendly and professional. I would highly recommend their office to my friends and family.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything was wonderful and the doctor and nurses were great
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Olivia is the third family member to have her wisdom teeth removed by Dr. O. We've always received great care at Hunterdon Oral Surgery.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Both of our sons had their wisdom teeth removed by Dr. Oh. Both he and his staff are excellent. We highly recommend them.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Nicole was very nice and supportive while the procedure was being done. She made me comfortable and kept me informed as my tooth was removed. Everything went very smoothly and almost pain free.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. O was excellant with my elderly mother. He and Helga explained everything to us and took care of the problem. They kept her calm and they were so friendly and kind. She didnt feel a thing and is fine now. Thank you to all of your staff for the help and kindness.This all turned out good thanks to all of you
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone made me feel comfortable and eased my nervousness. Dr. O was professional and I felt comfortable with him. Would recommend this surgeon to anyone.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Would definitely recommend!!!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr O and his staff made this experience as convenient and stress free as possible. They are friendly, professional, and care for the patients. I would recommend them.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Amazing! My daughter who is terrified of even the mention of going to the dentist had no problems or episodes. They made her feel comfortable and relaxed through the whole visit. They were very informative and professional. The assistant, Jill, who helped with the tooth extraction was great. My daughter couldn't stop talking of how nice she was. Thank you!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was attentive and friendly!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience, considering Second son to have wisdom teeth done here ... Very easy and fast
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. O really made my son feel at ease before the procedure. Helga, a medical assistant at the office kindly prepared my nervous son and Sharon, a nurse here guided us through recovery and home care. We highly recommend Hunterdon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
They were amazing and I will continue to come to them.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very good overall
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall pleased and would come back
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My whole experience with Dr. Olawoye and his staff was terrific. I went in for a consultation and after speaking to Dr. Olawoye and his assistant Sharon (who I couldn't have gotten through without her by my side!), I was able to proceed to have an extraction that day....which for me was a big deal! I was so nervous, but Dr. Olawoye made sure I was ok throughout the whole procedure. What I really appreciated was that they both listened to my concerns and understood my fear and made it their priority to make sure I got through everything without a lot of pain...and I did. Even the healing process went extremely well. As for the office staff....I couldn't have done it without you....my daughter thanks you too! 🙂 Overall, what I thought was going to be an awful experience turned out to be very tolerable thanks to Dr. "O" and his amazing staff. To Sharon - a special THANK YOU for lending me a hand...:)
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
All staff were extremely friendly and courteous especially Sharon who took time to explain to us what exactly had to be done for aftercare...she answered all of our questions and told us if we had any problems to contact her.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I forgot to add my stars in the last survey but I am sure you gathered that I was extremely pleased with my procedure. This is an outstanding practice especially for those of us who still carry those childhood fears!!!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This is an outstanding practice especially for those of us who still have that childhood fear!!!!!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone at this practice is professional and helpful. They strive to perform procedures with the least amount of discomfort possible. Dr O called personally to check on me the next day. Very satisfied with HOMSS!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was pleasantly surprised. Painless procedure. I have gained my confidence back with my new set of implant teeth J Smith
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great Job Dr. O!
- Anonymous