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Why Bone Grafting Is Sometimes Necessary
When teeth have been missing for a long time, the jawbone in that area can shrink and resorb, leaving too little bone to securely hold a dental implant. Bone grafting helps restore the lost bone so implants can be placed in the ideal position for strength, stability, and appearance.
Types of Bone Grafts for Dental Implants
1. Particulate Bone Grafts
Used for smaller bone defects or to enhance bone volume around implant site. Typically involves placing bone particles in the area and covering them with a protective membrane.
2. Block Bone Grafts
Used for larger defects where significant bone is missing. Involves placing a solid block of bone (either from the patient or a donor source) and securing it with titanium screws. Often used in cases of severe bone loss in the front teeth or where multiple implants will be placed.
What Is a Block Graft?
A block graft is a type of bone graft where a small, solid piece—or “block”—of bone is used to rebuild an area of significant bone loss.
Unlike particulate grafting (which uses small granules of bone), a block graft provides a solid foundation that can rebuild both height and width of bone in a single procedure.
We often recommend a block graft in cases of:
Severe horizontal or vertical bone loss
Previous tooth loss combined with trauma or infection
Areas where an implant must be placed for aesthetics or function but the bone is too thin
Where Does the Bone Come From?
The bone block can be taken from:
The patient’s own jaw (often the chin or back of the jaw)
A donor source processed for safety and compatibility
Once placed, the block is secured with tiny titanium screws and covered with a membrane to protect it while it heals.
The Healing Process
The bone block gradually fuses with your natural bone over several months. After it has fully integrated, we can remove the screws and place your dental implant in the newly rebuilt area.
Advantages of Block Grafting
Restores both bone height and width
Creates a stable foundation for long-term implant success
Improves gum tissue contours for a more natural-looking smile
Allows implant placement in sites that would otherwise be impossible
Kansas City Block Graft Patient Case Example
Case Study: Rebuilding the lower Jaw for 2 Front Dental Implants
Patient Background: A patient came to our office with pain and problems due to severely infected lower front teeth. Her previous dentist had told her there was no hope for implants due to the significant infection in the surrounding bone. These abscessed teeth caused extensive bone destruction in her lower anterior mandible, leaving a large void where healthy bone should have been. She was told by other providers that dental implants were no longer possible and that her only option was a removable partial denture.
Abscessed teeth on 3D Xray photo
Initial Examination
A 3D CBCT scan revealed:
Severe bone loss in the lower anterior region
Residual infection in the bone
Insufficient bone height and width to place implants without grafting
The patient was unhappy with the thought of wearing a removable partial denture for life and wanted a permanent, natural-looking solution.
Treatment Plan
We proposed a two-phase surgical plan:
1: Block Bone Graft Surgery – First, we would thoroughly clean out the infected bone, removing all residual infection and inflammatory tissue. Then, we would place a custom-shaped block bone graft to rebuild the missing bone in both height and thickness. The graft would be secured with small titanium fixation screws and protected with a membrane to allow proper healing.
2: Dental Implant Placement – Once the bone graft had fully integrated after several months, we would place two dental implants in the newly restored bone to replace her missing lower front teeth.
Block Graft Photo
Surgical Process
The infected bone and soft tissue were meticulously removed to create a clean, healthy foundation.
A bone block graft was positioned to recreate the natural ridge shape, secured with fixation screws, and covered with a protective membrane.
After the healing period, the screws were removed, and two dental implants were placed with excellent stability.
Implants in new bone photo
Results
Today, the patient has:
Two strong, stable implants in her lower jaw
A natural-looking fixed dental implant bridge that blend seamlessly with her smile
Fully restored function, allowing her to bite and chew confidently
Renewed confidence and quality of life
Final Implant Bridge photo
This case demonstrates how even patients told they are “not candidates” for dental implants can often achieve a permanent solution with advanced bone grafting techniques such as block grafts.
Advanced Expertise in Complex Bone Grafting
Dr. Philip J. Gordon is a Board-Certified Dental Implant Specialist who has placed and restored over 10,000 implants. He has trained extensively in advanced bone grafting techniques, including working alongside pioneers in the field. His expertise allows him to treat complex cases that many offices cannot handle — giving patients permanent, fixed teeth instead of removable dentures. Gordon Dental Implants and Cosmetics serves Overland Park, Leawood, Olathe, Prairie Village Kansas and the entire Kansas City Metro.
Your Smile, Our Priority
If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for dental implants, don’t give up hope. We’ve helped hundreds of patients in Kansas City, Overland Park, Leawood, and surrounding areas get permanent teeth again through advanced bone grafting and implant solutions.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Call 913-649-5017 or visit www.gordondentalimplantsandcosmetics.com to schedule your personalized consultation and see if bone grafting can restore your ability to get dental implants.
