About Bone Grafting, Glen Mills PA
What is Bone Grafting?
Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies 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.
With bone grafting, we now have the opportunity to not only replace bone where it is missing, but also the ability to promote new bone growth in that location! 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 esthetic appearance.
Types of Bone Grafts
Autogenous Bone Grafts:
Autogenous bone grafts, also known as autografts, are made from your own bone, taken from somewhere else in the body. The bone is typically harvested from the chin, jaw, lower leg bone, hip, or the skull. Autogenous bone grafts are advantageous in that the graft material is live bone, meaning it contains living cellular elements that enhance bone growth. However, one downside to the autograft is that it requires a second procedure to harvest bone from elsewhere in the body. Depending on your condition, a second procedure may not be in your best interest.
Allogenic Bone Grafts:
Allogenic bone, or allograft, is dead bone harvested from a cadaver, then processed using a freeze-dry method to extract the water via a vacuum. Unlike autogenous bone, allogenic bone cannot produce new bone on it’s own. Rather, it serves as a framework or scaffold over which bone from the surrounding bony walls can grow to fill the defect or void.
Xenogenic Bone Grafts:
Xenogenic bone is derived from non-living bone of another species, usually a cow. The bone is processed at very high temperatures to avoid the potential for immune rejection and contamination. Like allogenic grafts, xenogenic grafts serve as a framework for bone from the surrounding area to grow and fill the void.
Both allogenic and xenogenic bone grafting are advantageous in that they do not require a second procedure to harvest your own bone, as with autografts. However, because these options lack autograft’s bone-forming properties, bone regeneration may take longer than with autografts.
Bone Graft Substitutes
As a substitute to using real bone, many synthetic materials are available as a safe and proven alternative, including:
Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM)/Demineralized Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft (DFDBA):
This product is processed allograft bone, containing collagen, proteins, and growth factors that are extracted from the allograft bone. It is available in the form of powder, putty, chips, or as a gel that can be injected through a syringe.
Graft Composites:
Graft composites consist of other bone graft materials and growth factors to achieve the benefits of a variety of substances. Some combinations may include: collagen/ceramic composite, which closely resembles the composition of natural bone, DBM combined with bone marrow cells, which aid in the growth of new bone, or a collagen/ceramic/autograft composite.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP):
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are isolated proteins that induces specific cells in our body to form new cartilage and bone. During surgery, the BMP is soaked onto and binds with a collagen sponge. The sponge is then designed to resorb, or disappear, over time. As the sponge dissolves, the bone morphogenetic protein stimulates the cells to produce new bone. The BMP also goes away once it has completed its task of jump starting the normal bone healing process.
Synthetic materials also have the advantage of not requiring a second procedure to harvest bone, reducing risk and pain. Each bone grafting option has its own risks and benefits.
Dr. Sierakowski would be happy to discuss all grafting options with you at the time of consultation.
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Brandywine Periodontics, LLC
Patient Review by Jim S
This was my first experience with a periodontist and I feel very fortunate that it was with compassionate professionals like Dr. Sierakowski and his staff. Although I went into this procedure with a good deal of apprehension, Dr. Sierakowski's calm manner and his clear explanation of what he was going to do soon put me at ease. I can honestly say I felt minimal discomfort throughout the entire procedure. His explanations and follow-up directions were clear and helpful. I have already recommended Dr. Sierkowski to my son-in-law and would gladly recommend him to others also.
- Jim S
Patient Review by Xavier M
I have been a patient of Brandywine Periodontics for over 14 years. Dr. Steven Sierakowski (Dr. S.) is one of the nicest people I know. His personal greeting, his bedside manner and professionalism is refreshing. He treats you like family. His staff is also top notch. They have been with Dr. S for as long as I have been a patient. As soon as you walk into the office you are greeted by the always friendly Joyce. No need to sign in, She knows who you are. Then there is the other friendly face Tiffani. Tiffani is the dental assistant. Her pleasantry and personality put you at ease as soon as you sit in the chair. I honestly look forward to my twice a year visits. If not for Dr. S and his staff my diet would have consisted of Jello ad veggie shakes. They help me not only keep my teeth but also my pride. I highly recommend Dr.S and his wonderful staff.
- Xavier M
Patient Review by Patricia A
Dr .sierakowski is a very gentle periodontist. I am someone who does not like dentist but dr. Steve puts me immediately at ease. The staff is very pleasant also. I had extractions with no pain. I had implants with perfect fits. I love this gentle spirit and just how beautifully he works on my teeth. I will continue to go to dr. Steve to complete my implants .i highly recommend dr. Steve for implants!
- Patricia A
Patient Review by Sylvia R
I have been seeing Dr. Sierakowski for at least five years and he has been outstanding with all his work. I have never had an trouble with the work he has done on my teeth or the implants he has done on me. I am very satisfied with all his work and plan to use his services as long as needed. Anybody that needs periodontic work done will be very pleased with the services of Brandywine Periodontics.
- Sylvia R