This procedure involves the use of bone (obtained from a bone bank), the patient’s own bone, or a synthetic source of bone to help build up lost bone due to periodontal disease or trauma. This bone acts only as a scaffold for the newly developing patient’s bone. It is used extensively with dental implant procedures to ensure a good functional and cosmetic result. Often times, a special membrane may be used to protect the bone graft and encourage bone regeneration. Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease or injuries.