“It is estimated that 69% of Americans aged 35 to 44 are missing at least one tooth, and one in four over the age of 74 have lost ALL of their natural teeth” (American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 2013). “A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed in the jawbone to hold a replacement tooth or bridge” (American Academy of Periodontology, 2014). Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, injury, or any other reason. Over time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or resorbs. This often leaves a condition in which there is not enough bone suitable for the placement of dental implants. In these situations, patients are not good candidates for dental implant placement because the bone foundation is not adequate to support the implants. Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or the patient's own bone is used. Sinus bone grafts can also be performed to replace the posterior upper jaw bone. These procedures can be performed separately or in conjunction with implant placement, depending on the patient's general condition. Several areas of the body are suitable for obtaining bone grafts. In the face, “bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, from the chin or the third molar region. In more extensive situations, a greater amount of bone can be obtained from the hip or the outer aspect of the tibia at the knee” (Aetna, Inc., 2013). In cases of extreme bone loss, patients may need to undergo a sinus lift. . The maxillary sinuses lie behind the cheeks and above the upper teeth. The sinuses are empty......middle of paper......10 05). Gum graft surgery: indications, success rates and possible complications. (University of Cincinnati) Retrieved 02/16/2014 from Net Wellness: http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics/gumdisease/gumgraftsurgery.cfmMurai, K., Takeshita, F., Ayukawa, Y., Kiyoshima, T , Suetsugu, T. and Tanaka, T. (1996). Light and electron microscopic studies of the bone-titanium interface in young and mature rat tibias. Journal of Biomedical Materials and Research, 30 (4). Paiz, J.M., Elizabeth, A., Wagner, J., Lawrick, E., Moore, K., Anderson, M., et al. (March 1, 2013). APA formatting and style guide. Retrieved February 22, 2014, from Purdue Owl: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/Stanford, CM and Keller, JC (1991). The concept of osseointegration and bone matrix expression. Critical Reviews in Oral Biology and Medicine, 2 (1), pp. 83-101.