Bone Grafting is frequently utilized as part of a surgical procedure to “turn back the clock” and regain lost bone and other supportive tissue around teeth and implants. In addition, sites previously occupied by a lost tooth can often be greatly improved in preparation for an implant or other replacement by employing one or more of the many bone graft materials available. Diseased teeth or implants can frequently be saved by these regenerative or repair techniques gaining years of continued service and preventing possible social, emotional, functional and financial trauma.
Dr. FitzPatrick often uses various types of barrier membranes (collogen or teflon) either alone or in conjunction with bone grafts or other materials to promote bone regrowth, depending on the situation. As always, a patient’s questions and concerns, as well as all treatment options and expected outcomes are thoroughly reviewed before any treatment is rendered.
The materials used in bone grafting fall into four basic catagories:
Autografts- bone from the same individual
*Allografts- bone from a different individual within the same species.
Alloplasts– synthetic material.
Xenografts– bone from another species.
All of these substances have been well studied with a long track record of use. Each continues to have a place in the practice of contemporary periodontics. They are safe, and when the indications for their use and goals of treatment are clearly understood and identified, they are also effective. Dr. FitzPatrick is an expert in the nature and use of these materials, and employs them extensively in the regenerative aspects of his practice.
* There is no documented case of an individual having contracted a communicable disease such as Aids, Hepatitis or T.B. from these materials used in periodontics.