Over a period of time, the jawbone where teeth are missing resorbs (or shrinks)…

This often leaves an inadequate amount of bone in your jaw and can hinder restorative treatment plans such as dental implants and may eventually make it impossible for you even to wear dentures. In these situations, it will usually be necessary for bone augmentation procedures to be completed as a preliminary step for dental implant placement.

With advanced technology we now have the ability to grow bone where required…
This is an essential part of treatment for those who do not have enough bone for their desired procedure. By growing bone, we are not only able to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to fully restore functionality of the mouth and enhance aesthetic appearance. The bone graft procedures we perform are:

• Sinus lift procedure
• Ridge-augmentation
• Soft tissue augmentation and local flaps

These procedures may be performed separately or in combinations, depending on your condition. Dr Wilson has undertaken a series of specialist workshops in augmentation procedures with a world authority Dr Istvan Urban from Budapest.

Bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth:

• In the area of the chin
• The third molar region (upper and lower)

In more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be obtained from the hip though this is uncommon for most situations.

Bone graft surgery…
Dr Wilson frequently combines your bone with modified bovine (cow) bone for the best outcome. These surgeries are in hospital under I.V. sedation or general anaesthesia. After discharge, limited physical activity is recommended for one week. Local anaesthetic in rooms may be an option for smaller procedures.

In general, all such procedures are covered in part by Medicare and by your private health insurance if you have it.