Alaska Oral & Facial Surgery

Over a period of time, the jaw bone associated with missing teeth atrophies and is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for the placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for the placement of dental implants.

With bone grafting we now have the opportunity to not only replace bone where it is missing, but we also have the ability to promote new bone growth in that location. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.

Autogenous bone grafts, also known as autografts, are made from your own bone, taken from somewhere else in the body. The bone is typically harvested from the chin, jaw, lower leg bone, hip, or the skull. Autogenous bone grafts are advantageous in that the graft material is your own live bone, meaning it contains living cellular elements that enhances bone growth, also eliminating the risk of your body rejecting the graft material since it comes from you.

Allogenic bone, or allograft, is dead bone harvested from a cadaver, then processed using a freeze-dry method to extract the water via a vacuum. Unlike autogenous bone, allogenic bone cannot produce new bone on its own. Rather, it serves as a framework, or scaffold, over which bone from the surrounding bony walls can grow to fill the defect or void.

Xenogenic bone is derived from non-living bone of another species, usually a cow. The bone is processed at very high temperatures to avoid the potential for immune rejection and contamination. Like allogenic grafts, xenogenic grafts serve as a framework for bone from the surrounding area to grow and fill the void.

Both allogenic and xenogenic bone grafting have an advantage of not requiring a second procedure to harvest your own bone, as with autografts. However, because these options lack autografts bone-forming properties, bone regeneration may take longer than with autografts, and have a less predictable outcome.

This product is processed allograft bone, containing collagen, proteins, and growth factors that are extracted from the allograft bone. It is available in the form of powder, putty, chips, or as a gel that can be injected through a syringe.

Graft composites consist of other bone graft materials and growth factors to achieve the benefits of a variety of substances. Some combinations may include: collagen/ceramic composite, which closely resembles the composition of natural bone, DBM combined with bone marrow cells, which aid in the growth of new bone, or a collagen/ceramic/autograft composite.

Synthetic materials also have the advantage of not requiring a second procedure to harvest bone, reducing risk and pain. Each bone grafting option has its own risks and benefits. Dr. Sutley will determine which type of bone graft material best suited to your particular needs.

Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 139 reviews

Sort by

newest oldest highest lowest

Shawn Murphy
2 years ago
The evaluation went smoothly and all questions were answered. Very professional atmosphere and the staff were openly friendly and attentive. Very confident about the upcoming surgery.

Quang Dam
2 years ago
Everyone was so friendly and professional

Amanda Thomas
2 years ago
They did an amazing job taking care of my son. They made sure he was comfortable and the procedure went so quick!

Richard Barnes
2 years ago
Very positive experience. They respect that I am paying out of pocket, they comp'd me the consult and discounted the sedation portion of my treatment plan. I am done shopping for my implantation. They earned my business. Check them out.

Jeanette Brasier
2 years ago
With what I had done would have thought Id be in pain today . Have had none . Ever thing was explained before being done. Everyone was helpful. I dont like dentist but would recommend in a heart beat

Buoy4AK
2 years ago
Let's face it, nobody wants what these guys are selling. That said, my experience could not have gone better. Staff was friendly & professional, the office is sanitary, top points for my review (although I hope never to have to go back).

Heather Bruhl
2 years ago
Very professional and friendly and very nice people and very trustworthy people they were very nice and kind of me and the sweetest people you can ever meet

T F
2 years ago
They have a great staff.... Everything was good experience....

Justin Jares
2 years ago
The team at Alaska Oral and Facial Surgery was absolutely great. I was in and out with absolutely no pain, and it honestly felt like I was there maybe 10 minutes. I didn't even realize I had gone under. They know how to take care of their patients' needs, and they do it well. 11/10.

WildWild YouTube
2 years ago
I really felt taken care of here. They are very personable and informative. With my insurance it was remarkably affordable. Two thumbs up.

Jonathan Yates
2 years ago
Very well done. Staff was professional, polite, work hard to make the patient(me) feel comfortable and safe.

Dawson Gentleman
2 years ago
They removed my wisdom tooth in less than a minute! Very easy procedure.

Jenny Hartwig
2 years ago
Just had to have an upper wisdom tooth extracted. Paper work was easy, staff and doctor were informative, knowledgeable and helpful. Actual procedure took maybe 5 minutes. All around a good experience.

Abby Chingliak
2 years ago
Kind staff. Comfy waiting room.

Michael Duffield
2 years ago
Dr. Van Leeuwen displayed a high degree of professionalism and concern. He listened well then explained his findings and recommended care plan in simple terms. He is patient, competent and exhibits very good bedside manners. I am a 50-year resident of Fairbanks and rarely have seen a doctor with Dr. Van Leeuwen's qualities.

Dionne Gorrod
2 years ago
I cannot recommend any practice more than this one. I felt cared for from every member of the staff. Everyone who I interacted with was amazing from the first greeting to explaining my bill and procedure, they were all amazing.

Josephine Roberts
2 years ago
Fabulous service! Got laser hair removal treatments, the latest and greatest machine they use hurts way less than waxing, highly recommend! A brazilian, underarms, half legs, lip, all done in under 30 minutes!

Barbara Griffith
2 years ago
A.J. Is the best. Her knowledge of Alle products combined with her medical expertise and eye for detail gives your skin a radiant, refreshed look. Makes you look younger, rested, and the envy of your friends'

40 Below
2 years ago
I've been to several dentist had many teeth pulled this is by far the best place to go for dental work Will be the only place I'll be going from now on

Brittany Jackson
2 years ago
I've had a permanent post put in for an implant, I've taken my daughter here, I've gone for a tooth extraction, and I can say without a doubt that they are the BEST dentists in town, and by far one of the best I've ever seen and I am ex-military, so I've been all over the world. I would recommend them for any kind of work you need done and their customer service is always above and beyond. 10/10, definitely recommend!

Load more