Oral Bone Grafts

About the Procedure

Bone grafts are used to fortify areas where the natural bone is compromised or not sufficient to sustain restoration. Common causes of compromised bone include periodontal disease or loss of teeth.

If the dentist determines that the site of a planned implant requires additional bone mass. he or she may recommend a bone graft either prior to or in conjunction with the implant placement. Bone grafts may use autologous (the patient's own) bone or an alloplastic or allogeneic bone substitute.

Dental specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery commonly use bone grafting techniques as part of reconstructive and orthognathic surgical procedures, often harvesting a thin slice of bone from the patient's hip, rib or skull to aid in filling large gaps in the mandibular or maxillary jawbones.

About the Division of Dentistry

The Massachusetts General Hospital Division of Dentistry is a hospital-based group practice containing multiple dental specialists under one roof. Like traditional dental practices, we are open to the public and provide all aspects of preventive, therapeutic and restorative dental care.