Bone Grafting
If you’re missing bone in your jaw, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on getting dental implants. Bone grafting rebuilds the foundation in your jaw to help you move forward toward a stronger, healthier smile.
Schedule ConsultationWhy Is Bone Grafting Important?
If you’re considering dental implants, it’s important for the jawbone to be strong enough to hold a dental implant in place. When bone is lost — from a tooth extraction, gum disease, or an injury — there may not be enough structure left to support a dental restoration. That’s where bone grafting comes in.
A bone graft adds volume and density back to areas where bone has worn away. Think of it as rebuilding your jaw’s natural structure. Beyond supporting implants, grafting can also restore the shape of your face and protect surrounding teeth from shifting over time.
Our surgeons have helped many patients who were told they weren’t candidates for implants. With advanced grafting techniques, more people qualify than you might expect.
Advanced Techniques for Better Outcomes
- Sinus Lift: When bone loss has occurred in your upper jaw, near the back teeth, a sinus lift creates the space needed for a successful graft. The sinus membrane is gently moved upward, and bone material is placed beneath it — making implant placement possible in areas that couldn’t support them before.
- Ridge Augmentation: After a tooth is lost, the ridge of bone that once surrounded it can collapse inward. Ridge augmentation rebuilds that ridge, restoring both the structure needed for implants and the natural shape of your jaw.
- Ridge Preservation: Performed right after a tooth extraction, ridge preservation places grafting material into the empty socket before bone loss can begin. It keeps the area healthy and ready for an implant when you’re ready to move forward.
Types of Dental Bone Grafting Material
Not every graft uses the same material. Your surgeon will recommend the type that fits your situation, health history, and goals.
- Autograft: Bone taken from another area of your own body, offering the most natural integration
- Allograft: Donor bone from a tissue bank, carefully processed and widely used
- Xenograft: Bone from an animal source that acts as a scaffold for your body to build upon
- Synthetic Graft: Biocompatible, lab-made materials that support new bone growth
The Process and What to Expect
Before your procedure, you’ll meet with your surgeon for an initial consultation. Your team will review imaging, go over your health history, and walk you through exactly what to expect.
On the day of your graft, sedation and anesthesia options are available to help minimize discomfort and keep you at ease. The procedure typically takes between 45 minutes and a few hours, depending on the area being treated.
Recovery looks different for everyone. Most patients return to light activity within a few days. Full bone integration — when your body has completely accepted the graft — can take several months. Your surgeon will monitor your progress at follow-up visits and let you know when you’re ready for the next step.
We’ll Help You Find the Best Option
You deserve an honest answer about what’s possible for your smile. Our team takes time at every consultation to explain your options, answer your questions, and build a plan that works for your life. Whether you’re looking for a second opinion, or are just starting to explore, we’re here to guide you through it.
Common Questions About Bone Grafting
Discomfort is normal in the days following your graft, but your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions and recommend ways to manage it. Most patients find that over the counter or prescribed medication helps to keep them comfortable during recovery. Sedation options are also available during the procedure to help minimize discomfort.
H3: How long does recovery take?
Most patients feel well enough to return to light, everyday activity within a few days. The graft itself, however, takes time to fully integrate with your natural bone — usually anywhere from three to nine months, depending on the size of the graft and your body’s healing process.
Potentially, but not always. Your surgeon will evaluate the density and volume of your existing bone during your consultation. If there isn’t enough bone to securely support an implant, a graft will be recommended first. Many patients are surprised to learn that even significant bone loss can often be addressed with the right grafting approach.
Our surgeons regularly treat patients who were previously told they weren’t candidates for implants. Between sinus lifts, ridge augmentation, and other advanced techniques, there are often more options available than you may have been led to believe.
TESTIMONIALS
Patient Testimonials
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