Bone Grafting

Major & Minor Bone Grafting

Missing teeth over a period of time can cause your jaw bone to atrophy, or resorb. This often results in poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for the placement of dental implants as well as long term shifting of remaining teeth and changes to facial structure. Most patients, in these situations, are not candidates for dental implants.

Fortunately, today we have the ability to grow bone where it is needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, but it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.

Major Bone Grafting

Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease, or injuries. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaw, hip or tibia (below the knee). Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum to protect the bone graft, as well as encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration, or guided tissue regeneration.

Major bone grafts are typically performed to repair defects of the jaws. These defects may arise as a result of traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital defects. Large defects are repaired using the patient’s own bone. This bone is harvested from a number of different areas depending on the size needed. The skull (cranium), hip (iliac crest), and lateral knee (tibia), are common donor sites. These procedures are routinely performed in an operating room and require a hospital stay.

Cortland Oral Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 527 reviews.

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Had all 4 wisdom teeth removed yesterday and it was painless! I was not sedated and only general anesthesia was used. Overall I would recommend this Dr and Staff to anyone needed and surgical dental care.

- Adam

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Professional, friendly, and down to earth. Explained what was going on through the process. Made sure I was comfortable.

- Doris A

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Everyone was very friendly and efficient

- Natalie T

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Fantastic practice

- Richard K

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great experience overall

- Kanichuk

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. SanGiacomo and his staff put my daughter completely at ease. Our experience was terrific. We would definitely return.

- Melissa S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Doc was very patient with difficult extraction. Explained why difficult and showed me evidence. Assistant was sweet and supportive, had good teamwork with Dr San Giacomo.

- John U

4 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Putting your trust in a Doctor and their practice takes a lot for me to do. I would revisit the Dr. for anything related to this type of need, he is a true professional with an impeccable demeanor and by the way he has a slight sense of humor! Totally a GOOD experience, Thanks Doc S. and your staff for going above and beyond the call for me!

- Frank H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Procedure described clearly. Professional and friendly.

- Laura G

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very happy

- Heather O

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Wonderful experience, which sounds very strange for a tooth extraction, I was really scared, and the doctor and staff were wonderful, very professional, very patient and caring. Procedure was very quick and I was done before I had a chance to panic.

- chris h

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Professional and attentive

- George P

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Courteous, friendly and professional...I never felt rushed and was well cared for start to finish.

- Steven F

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was there for consultation on a tooth problem. The doctor and the staff were all wonderful - professional, friendly, caring, explained everything very thoroughly for me. I'd most certainly go back if ever need be.

- Juleene C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I had a wonderful experience throughout my oral surgery procedure. Staff was friendly and welcoming and the doctor put me at ease, thoroughly explaining options and answering all of my questions. I was kept very comfortable throughout the entire process and felt I was in excellent hands.

- Natalie S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

everything was very professional

- JAMES M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Friendly, efficient and knowledgeable staff.

- Joe D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

what a great office - these folks have a genuine feeling of family - very rare these days - and Dr. San Giacomo is simply the best, most skilled oral surgeon in our part of Upstate NY - he is amazingly focused and patient, and great to communicate with - after my experience with Dr. San Giacomo and his staff, i would never consider seeing another oral surgeon....it's just that simple:

- richard d

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great job by all

- Amy D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The office was clean and orderly. The procedure was done within a timely manner once started.

- Karen C

5 out of 5 stars on