It seems that a bone block graft obtained from my own chin would be minimally invasive in preparation for a dental implant after bone healing. ?

No : The bone block graft from the chin can be painful. It is not minimally invasive. There are other more refined bone grafting techniques available which uses bone putty. Often the bone graft from the chin is not necessary. Consult an oral surgeon please.

Not really: So you think that drilling out a block of bone form your own jaw is minimally invasive? Think again! high morbidity factor! but it is the best. You have to weigh your suffering versus other options. Sterilized human bone has a long track record of success. Plenty of bone banks with a safe history and long term success. Life net is what i use.

Says who?: In my opinion that would be one of the most invasive methods, only topped by a graft from your hip. There are so many other resources and techniques that are extremely successful in the hands of a skilled periodontist or oral surgeon that are less invasive. Get some other opinions.

Easier, not minimal: A chin is a place where plenty of bone can be harvested as a donor site. Autogenous graft is still a gold standard of bone grafting to get great result. However, with the advance of bone morphogenetic protein (bmps) research, I am leaning more toward using bmps in all my graft to reduce the morbidity and eliminates the donor site in all my grafts. Bmps gives as good result as autogenous bone.

Definitely Not: A block graft from the chin is a very invasive procedure with a significant amount of morbidity, even in the best surgical hands. Allografts used with growth factors have excellent success with minimal morbidity. Bmp is excellent as well, but is costly and is technique sensitive. Autografts have over a 50% resorption rate "melt away" each case is different and has its advantages & disadvantages.

No: The three places to get substantial amounts of your own bone are the chin, the back of your lower jaw and your tibia (leg). That is, if your surgeon needs a lot of bone and you want to use your own. Harvesting this bone is invasive and often more painful than the site to which it is added.

Not really: Bone removed from the ramps back of jaw has a lot less mortality. Common problems with chin grafts. Numbness of chin, or numbness of lower front teeth. Evaluate all your options prior to grafting.

It's relative...: Compared to open heart surgery this is minimally invasive. Compared to a root canal this is significantly more invasive. I would speak with your surgeon's office to let them know of your concerns. They know how often this has been done in their office. They know how their patients respond to this. They can offer you the best answers. Good luck. And good for you for pursuing dental care.

Surgery: It is a surgical procedure that can have significant morbidity, takes time to heal. It is just one of many sources of graft.

Possibly: Harvesting your own bone for grafting has many advantages. The chin is a frequent area for harvesting bone, but can have complications associated with it. These include bruising, swelling, incision-line opening, mentalis muscle ptosis, numbness (temporary or permanent), and increased discomfort. I prefer harvesting the ramus. However, depending on the bone volume needed, chin may be the best.

Not necessarily!: After attending the international symposium on periodontal and restorative dentistry in boston this past june held once every 3 years, i attended a lecture where one of the world's leading researchers on this very subject stated that there was no significant difference in the results of the various bone grafting techniques. I would discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

No: Today, a dentist can use an allograft (bone from cadeavor) to prepare the deficient ridge with adequate bone for placement of a future dental implant. This procedure is much less invasive that taking bone from your chin, and is routinely performed with excellent results.