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. Drs. Woodbury or Howard will determine which type of bone graft material best suited to your particular needs.
Dr. Woodbury is originally from Rhode Island. He earned honors in the College of Science with a Bachelors of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Rhode Island. He then continued his training at the University of Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia he earned both dental and medical degrees. He completed his residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 1998.
Dr. Woodbury has practiced in and has called Saginaw his home since 1998. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is a licensed specialist by the State of Michigan to practice Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Dr. Woodbury has authored and published multiple articles and textbook chapters related to the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He has spent extensive time assisting in the modernization of the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery examination for the State Board of Dentistry in Michigan.
Dr. Howard is originally from Jackson, Mississippi. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. Following college graduation he attended the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry. Upon graduation from the School of Dentistry he completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Mississippi with emphasis in hospital care. Given his interest in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, he then completed an internship at the Louisiana State University Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Dr. Howard then attended the University of Michigan pursuing certification in the specialty of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Howard completed his specialty training in 2002.
Dr. Howard has practiced in the Mid-Michigan area since 2003. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. He is licensed to practice in the states of Michigan and Mississippi. Dr. Howard is a licensed specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the state of Michigan.
Dr. Howard and his wife share three children. The Howard family resides in Freeland, where they enjoy being active in the community. Dr. Howard enjoys partaking in many outdoor interests with his family.
Reviews
Rating 3.7 out of 5 based on 24 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestNatalie Alexander
2 years ago
last year i had this tumor growing in my mouth. i went to the dentist and he referred me to this place. it took months to get in, because they were booked. but once i had my appointment, from the moment Dr Howard saw me, he has been nothing but amazing and caring. he made sure i was taken care of as soon as possible. i would recommend him to anyone. a couple weeks ago it started to grow back i took the earliest appointment which meant i had to drive to saginaw instead of bay city. (both offices are filled with the best staff). he again made sure things were taken care of as soon as they could be. i will forever be thankful for this place and Dr Howard for doing their best.
Amy D.
2 years ago
I was told 2 dates for my daughter to get wisdom teeth out. Explained she worked and I was going on vacation. I asked if I could go home and check my calendar and see what I could do. With in 2 hours I called back and said I made it work, daughter took off work and I changed my vacation dates. Amy didn't seem to know what I was talking about and would call me back. Two days later I called again spoke with Amy and was told Dr Howard was not ready to talk about it. What does that even mean? A few days later I got a call from Amy saying Dr Howard would do it on the original date, my response "I am not ready to talk about it" I am out $110 for a consultation, but would never allow a Dr. who is "not ready to talk about it" have his hands in my daughters mouth while she is sedated. Found a new oral surgeon and Dr Howard is out $2,400.
Paige Kegley
2 years ago
Dr. Howard is the best dental professional I've ever been to. I have major anxiety due to previous horrible dental work and this experience with Dr. Howard totally changed that. Not only did he do amazing work on my teeth, I'm in ZERO pain after words, and the level of care he gave me was outstanding, you can tell he really cares about his patients. I would recommend this place to anyone needing dental work done.
Cindi Horneber
2 years ago
The appointment for a consult was scheduled months in advance to fit the needs of my son who was coming home for break. We waited in the waiting room for 30 mins (technically 45 because we arrived early), while we saw several other patients taken back before us. We were finally taken back to the exam room, waiting another 45 mins. We saw all the other patients leave yet we were still waiting for the dr. (I dont know for sure but it sounded like he was dictating his notes). Having to get back to work I told my son we were leaving. We walked out and told the front desk that we'd find another dr. They never said a word. As we drove away the dr appeared at the front desk and there were no other vehicles in patient parking. If you have a lot of time to waste this might be a good choice for you. No dr is worth that kind of wait.
Chase W
2 years ago
Terrible front desk staff
logan keller
2 years ago
They refused to see me for mistakes that they made while scheduling my appointment
Deyonis Hinton
2 years ago
I spoke with a rude receptionist to schedule a consultation. Her attitude was horrible.. not sure if she was having a bad morning or what. I called Greater Michigan Oral Surgeons and scheduled a much earlier appointment with Dr. Kittle. They were much nicer. I know it won't mean much, but Robin just lost you a patient.
FS C
2 years ago
Beware rude receptionist, Amy! She verbally attacked me when I told her I needed to switch my consult appt with my teenage daughters appointment spaced a week apart. Today, after I handed her my previously filled out ins & health form, AMY insisted knowing ALL of my Implant business which I wished to discuss with Dr Howard. She continued pressing & belittling me cutting me off as I again tried to explain to her that my info was perviously on their computer since Feb (yes, I've waited that long). Yet again, I must explain to Amy as she continued to condesendly badger, verbally pry-me in front 3 seated teenagers INSTEAD of informing the back portion of the office that I had arrived for a consult. She finally left the front desk and continued to involve another lady to try to continue her dirty work....This lady was decently professional! I told her I had an implant consult appt with Dr H since February, yet my daughter was still in FL and didn't make it home last night for her today's wisdom teeth consult. This assistant knew NOTHING about my implant consultation from AMY "Only that I was trying to take my daughters appointment". The assistant was as much of a victim of Amy's perpetrated drama as I was. The assistant informed me that Amy had told her nothing about that; she would discuss my consult with dr and I would be seen. Up to the front desk walks big AMY again smirking away as her awful attack continued on me demanding my drivers license and "WHAT exactly are my concerns with an implant!" She was upset that she didn't get her way and I was going to be seen by the Dr? I asked her to just be nice. Finally another receptionist explained that appointments with teens and wisdom teeth extraction are only 15 minutes for $110 and 30 min for an adult implant consult $110. I answered, Im sorry I would pay the $110 for the 15 minute appt. Dr H & I spoke and as I began to discuss the extraction site and need for an implant, he understood and tried to apologize for the ridiculous situation Amy had created. I wanted an apology from HER. For creating a lot of unnecessary drama, and lack of informing the back office of my consult. Although Dr. H agreed and was obviously as badly blindsided as me unfortunately, I felt so uncomfortable of AMY's behavior that I retrieved my info and left. LESSON: It's too bad if you were having a bad day, or that YOU are not a doctor or a professional. Sometimes you just have to fake it, Put on your false smile,and learn to be KIND to not only the Dr's patient's, employees that you control in the back ....But to all people in general
Diana Bayn
2 years ago
The best place to get teeth pulled. No waiting and reasonable rates. I will go here if any more teeth need to be pulled. Great staff and wonderful doctors. I felt no pain after the numbness went away. So don't be scard..it was a great experience. Happy me..
Diana Bayn
3 years ago
The best place to get teeth pulled. No waiting and reasonable rates. I will go here if any more teeth need to be pulled. Great staff and wonderful doctors. I felt no pain after the numbness went away. So don't be scard..it was a great experience. Happy me..
Deyonis Hinton
3 years ago
I spoke with a rude receptionist to schedule a consultation. Her attitude was horrible.. not sure if she was having a bad morning or what. I called Greater Michigan Oral Surgeons and scheduled a much earlier appointment with Dr. Kittle. They were much nicer. I know it won't mean much, but Robin just lost you a patient.
FS C
3 years ago
Beware rude receptionist, Amy! She verbally attacked me when I told her I needed to switch my consult appt with my teenage daughters appointment spaced a week apart. Today, after I handed her my previously filled out ins & health form, AMY insisted knowing ALL of my Implant business which I wished to discuss with Dr Howard. She continued pressing & belittling me cutting me off as I again tried to explain to her that my info was perviously on their computer since Feb (yes, I've waited that long). Yet again, I must explain to Amy as she continued to condesendly badger, verbally pry-me in front 3 seated teenagers INSTEAD of informing the back portion of the office that I had arrived for a consult. She finally left the front desk and continued to involve another lady to try to continue her dirty work....This lady was decently professional! I told her I had an implant consult appt with Dr H since February, yet my daughter was still in FL and didn't make it home last night for her today's wisdom teeth consult. This assistant knew NOTHING about my implant consultation from AMY "Only that I was trying to take my daughters appointment". The assistant was as much of a victim of Amy's perpetrated drama as I was. The assistant informed me that Amy had told her nothing about that; she would discuss my consult with dr and I would be seen. Up to the front desk walks big AMY again smirking away as her awful attack continued on me demanding my drivers license and "WHAT exactly are my concerns with an implant!" She was upset that she didn't get her way and I was going to be seen by the Dr? I asked her to just be nice. Finally another receptionist explained that appointments with teens and wisdom teeth extraction are only 15 minutes for $110 and 30 min for an adult implant consult $110. I answered, Im sorry I would pay the $110 for the 15 minute appt. Dr H & I spoke and as I began to discuss the extraction site and need for an implant, he understood and tried to apologize for the ridiculous situation Amy had created. I wanted an apology from HER. For creating a lot of unnecessary drama, and lack of informing the back office of my consult. Although Dr. H agreed and was obviously as badly blindsided as me unfortunately, I felt so uncomfortable of AMY's behavior that I retrieved my info and left. LESSON: It's too bad if you were having a bad day, or that YOU are not a doctor or a professional. Sometimes you just have to fake it, Put on your false smile,and learn to be KIND to not only the Dr's patient's, employees that you control in the back ....But to all people in general
Caitlyn French
3 years ago
Had a very positive experience at the Bay City location. I'm a huge needle phobic and am also terrified of dentists. I had a painful molar that needed to come out and was referred here. The staff was so patient and understanding of my fears. Normally I am a crying wreck during procedures and sometimes can't even go through with them without chickening out. I was able to successfully go through the extraction with no panic attacks thanks to the kind staff. The positive experience was a big boost to my morale as I work hard to overcome my phobias.
Brooke Konke
3 years ago
dr.woodbury is the best!! he does an excellent job!
Angela Lupisella
3 years ago
Wouldn't even give them a star!!! Waited over an hour for my son's consultation (which they spelled his name wrong after I had verbally spelled it for them). Dr Woodbury was completely rude and condescending!!!! I then received a letter 3 weeks later stating my insurance wasn't coordinating with them, again, they had my insurance information before our consultation...I have zero tolerance for incompetence and of course, doctor's that are rude!!! I gladly scheduled our surgery somewhere else!!!
Darquesha Presley
3 years ago
Dr. Woodbury was absolutely amazing! His staff was just as great! I would highly recommend this place .
Alan Harris
3 years ago
Was referred to this doctor from mid michigan medical, however they won't see me because I didn't get seen by Covenant. So I have to deal with a broken jaw for god only knows how long. Thanks a lot.
Frank Mc
3 years ago
Dr. Henning and staff were fantastic.
Christian A. Garrett Sr.
3 years ago
Today I had a four wisdom teeth extracted and Dr. Hennig and his team were amazing!!! First oral surgery and I very nervous as I already have dental anxiety. I have no fear anymore!! I felt very comfortable. Thank you Dr. Hennig
Alan Harris
4 years ago
Was referred to this doctor from mid michigan medical, however they won't see me because I didn't get seen by Covenant. So I have to deal with a broken jaw for god only knows how long. Thanks a lot.
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