Bone Grafting
Major & Minor Bone Grafting
Missing teeth over a period of time can cause your jaw bone to atrophy, or resorb. This often results in poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for the placement of dental implants as well as long term shifting of remaining teeth and changes to facial structure. Most patients, in these situations, are not candidates for dental implants.
Fortunately, today we have the ability to grow bone where it is needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, but it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.
Major Bone Grafting
Bone grafting can repair 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 to protect the bone graft, as well as 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 areas depending on the size needed. 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.
Central Connecticut Oral Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, PC
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Doctor and staffs were wonderful, very accommodating, and had a great experience.
- Brennen R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Had a great experience and speedy recovery. Will definitely recommend this practice to others in the future.
- Grace L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Both doctors and nurses are great! Very friendly and welcoming! Clearly care a lot about their patients and their jobs!
- Mackenzie S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Felt amazing after everything was over, had no issues and quick recovery.
- Kirill F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I never feel any pain. They always do an excellent job.
- Brandon J
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Great service and care!
- Troy H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would recommend anyone to Dr Howard. Very professional and proficient.
- William M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Fantastic staff would absolutely recommend to friends and family.
- Brooke U
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Howard is an excellent doctor, very nice, extremely polite and has a great staff.
- Sarmite N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent service and staff Affordable implants
- Susan W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Professional and friendly staff. Dr Howard was extremely friendly and explained everything thoroughly. My sister had her wisdom teeth extracted a few years ago and because of her experience and great result, my mom had the procedure done with him again. Fantastic facility, highly recommend.
- Rashid J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
From when the receptionist greets you to when your tooth is extracted, these folks are just the BEST!
- Laura S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience, very professional and accommodating
- Mike B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
What a great experience! I felt more than comfortable here getting my wisdom teeth out. The front desk was very accommodating and wonderful to talk to and Dr. Howard was such an amazing surgeon! I had no pain or swelling afterwards. He even called me, himself, the next day to check in on me! I would absolutely recommend my family and friends here. Great job everyone!!
- Jen Z
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Good service and friendly staff, thanks so much!
- Jeffrey D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was admittedly very overwhelmed at the prospect of needing multiple dental implants in my 30s. After some unsatisfactory appointments with a variety of specialists, I was fortunate to find Dr. Howard's practice. Having entrusted the process to Dr. Howard and his staff, I am extremely grateful for the exceptional care and glad that I ultimately selected this practice. The staff is friendly, accommodating, prompt to respond to messages, and professional. Jen, in particular, was a great point person and was always friendly and responsive to any of my needs or questions. In addition, the staff remembers issues specific to you from appointment to appointment, adding a nice personal touch so you never feel like a patient number. I received a lovely call in the hours following an extraction in which staff asked me how I was feeling and restated post-op instructions. Appointments are easily scheduled and the office makes every effort to be accommodating with appointments. Consistent reminder calls ensure that appointments are remembered and confirmed.The entire team contributes to an office experience that is pleasant and professional. From reception, to technicians and assistants, to Dr. Howard himself, my patient experience was overwhelmingly positive. Dr. Howard is a thorough, knowledgeable, kind, and talented oral surgeon. From the early stages of consultation, he takes the time to complete his assessment, give feedback, and provide options and recommendations. He is also honest about dental prognosis in a way that was very straightforward and comforting. He worked closely and collaboratively with my dentist to coordinate all aspects of my care. Importantly to me, he was sensitive to the emotional issues associated with getting implants including difficulty accepting tooth loss, aesthetic concerns, dental anxiety, and embarrassment. He was also very attuned to my needs and comfort level (both physical and emotional), which allowed me to have rather complicated dental work (including anesthesia, extractions and implants) that was not painful. I would recommend this practice to anyone with oral surgery needs without hesitation.
- Joanne P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Howard and his staff. I had all four wisdom teeth removed and had no pain and only minimal discomfort. Dr. Howard is a very personable guy and he was exceptionally kind and warm through the whole process. He took time to address all of my concerns and questions. The staff members were especially warm and friendly too which really added to the comfort of the whole experience.
- Dave U
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Howard and his staff did an awesome job from start to finish! Dr Howard took the time to answer all of my questions and even called me after the procedure personally to check up on me. I had no post operative pain to speak of after having my 4 wisdom teeth extracted. Everyone at his office was so helpful and friendly. I will definitely be referring my family and friends to Dr Howard!
- Jack H