Monocortical Block Graft
There are many circumstances surrounding implant placement where additional procedures are required before, during or after the treatment to ensure the best chances for long-term success.
Some of these are absolutely necessary in order to place implants, while others are needed to provide a better function and/or cosmetic result. A Monocortical Block Graft can be used to increase the width of bone ideal for implant placement.
Importance of Bone Availability
When teeth are lost, the underlying bone (alveolar bone) is likely to resorb (shrink) both vertically and horizontally. The alveolar bone supports the teeth and when it no longer receives stimulation from the forces of the teeth, it tends to melt away. In areas where teeth have been missing for a long time, and/or have been prosthetically replaced with removable dentures, will often have so much bone resorption that there is not enough bone remaining to be able to place implants of adequate size.
Similarly, teeth that have been lost due to advanced periodontal disease (gum disease) will often have experienced so much bone loss that there is not enough bone remaining for implants to be placed. Bone defects from root canal infection, fractured teeth, trauma, or difficult tooth removal may also create a situation where bone needs to be augmented (replaced by means of grafting) or “added to” for implant placement to be accomplished.
Before Bone Graft
After Bone Graft
Monocortical Block Graft Procedure
Both the block graft and dental implant surgery can be completed in our office. We utilize both local anesthesia and intravenous conscious sedation to increase your comfort. The objective of this procedure is to increase the alveolar ridge width to correct a boney deformity and provide sufficient bone for ideal implant placement. The bone is harvested from either the symphysis (by the lower front teeth) or the ramus (below the lower molars.)
The harvested bone or graft must be properly contoured, stabilized and fixated to host bone (place where the implant is planned) with fixation screws. Additional particulate bone and barrier membranes may also be placed over the graft. After an adequate amount of healing (4 to 6 months), the fixation screws can be removed and the implants placed.
What is the overall success rate for dental implants?
The success rates have improved dramatically since the introduction of dental implant surgery. The dental profession can proudly report success rates well above 90% for most implant patients. With decades of clinical and scientific research, newer and innovative techniques such as the monocortical bone graft treatment, the success rates will continue to climb. Making sure there is enough available bone is essential and the monocortical block graft is a predictable procedure to increase the amount of horizontal bone to place implants.
After Surgery
These procedures are relatively pain-free! You will be prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication for any minor discomfort you may experience. A prescription mouthwash will be used to cleanse the site. Dr. Crofcheck is always available to answer any questions or concerns that you might have.
Healing Process
After the Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft, the tissue from the roof of your mouth will integrate with the surrounding tissue. Soon you will not be able to tell a surgical procedure was completed.
