text: If you have been told that you may need bone grafting, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the procedure in order to make an informed decision. Continue reading to learn more about where bone grafting material originates from.
  What is Bone Grafting?
  A dental bone graft is a procedure in which bone structure is grafted onto the existing bone structure inside the mouth. Over time, the patient’s natural bone fuses to the new bone material, creating a stronger and denser bone structure.
  Why Do I Need a Bone Graft?
  Bone grafts are typically done in order to ensure that there is sufficient bone structure for the placement of a dental implant. The placement of a dental bone graft ensures that a dental implant has the amount of bone structure present in the jaw bone that is needed for successful integration.
  Bone grafts may also be placed after a tooth has been extracted from the mouth, or for aesthetic purposes. If advanced gum disease has caused the bone in the jaw to recede, the patient may experience a “sunken” look in the face. Bone grafting may be done in order to restore a fuller appearance to the patient’s face.
  Where Does Bone Graft Come From?
  There are four different types of dental bone graft material that are used in modern dentistry. The type that is used typically depends upon the preference of your dentist, your medical history, and the location in which the graft will be placed.
  Below are the four types of dental bone graft, as well as where they are found:
  - Allograft: Bone that is harvested from a cadaver. Features a high success rate, as the bone is human.
  - Xenograft: Bone that is harvested from an animal. Cow (bovine) is the most widely-used type of xenograft in the dental industry, and has provided a high success rate.
  - Autograft: Bone that is taken from another part of the patient’s body. Autograft bone faces very little risk of being rejected, but this method is not always an option for those with bone diseases or conditions.
  - Synthetic: As the name suggests, synthetic bone graft is man-made. As dentistry advances, synthetic grafting is proving to be a strong favorite; it can be easily made, does not have to be harvested from an organic source, and poses no risk for disease transmission.
  Willow Glen Dental Specialists: Dental Bone Grafting in San Jose
  Here at Willow Glen Dental Specialists, we are proud to offer comprehensive dental services in San Jose, California. We are happy to provide our patients with bone grafting services to help restore lost bone structure inside the mouth.
  To learn more about dental bone grafting or to get scheduled for a consultation in our San Jose dental office, give us a call anytime at 408-478-9081.
  For more informative dental blogs, check out our Blog page.