Most people don’t think much about the bone beneath their teeth—until something goes wrong. If you’ve lost a tooth or dealt with gum disease, that bone can start to shrink over time. This can make future treatments like dental implants more difficult.
That’s where bone grafting comes in. It’s a way to rebuild the foundation of your smile, so your jaw stays strong. At Advanced Oral Surgery & Periodontics, we offer expert bone grafting procedures designed to restore your oral health and your confidence.
When Bone Grafting May Be Necessary
When a tooth is lost or removed, the bone around it begins to shrink. This is called bone loss, and it’s very common. Over time, the loss can affect the shape of your face, how you chew, and your ability to replace the missing tooth.
Bone grafting helps fix this by rebuilding the lost bone. It creates a solid base for dental implants and helps protect the surrounding teeth. We often recommend bone grafting for patients who:
- Need more bone for dental implant placement
- Have bone loss from gum disease or trauma
- Want to preserve bone after a tooth is removed
The procedure helps support your oral health, now and in the future.
Why is Bone Grafting Important?
Your jawbone plays a major role in your dental health. It holds your teeth in place and keeps your bite strong. When that bone begins to weaken or shrink, it can change the way your mouth looks and works.
Without strong bone, implants may not heal properly or stay in place. Grafting improves your chances for long-term success by giving your implants the support they need. It also helps protect your facial shape and keeps your smile looking natural.
Bone grafting is more than a solution—it’s an important step toward lasting results.
Types of Dental Bone Grafts and Their Benefits
There are several kinds of bone grafts. Each one has different benefits, depending on your needs and the condition of your jaw.
Sometimes we use your own bone, which is called an autograft. This type of graft often promotes strong and natural healing. In other cases, we use safe, processed bone from a donor or animal source. These options—called xenografts—can reduce surgical time and avoid the need for another surgical site.
We also offer synthetic grafts made from lab-created materials that mimic real bone. These are a good option if you prefer not to use natural tissue. Your surgeon will walk you through each option and help you decide what’s best for your case.
How the Bone Grafting Procedure Works
Before Your Procedure
We begin with a full consultation, including digital X-rays or a CT scan to check your bone levels. Then we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your goals, health history, and timeline.
During Surgery
Once you’re comfortable with sedation or anesthesia, we carefully place the grafting material where it’s needed. The area is then carefully secured to help your body heal. Most procedures are completed in under two hours, though this may vary depending on the type and size of the graft.
Recovery and Aftercare
Healing times vary, but most patients start to feel better within a few days. You may notice some swelling, tenderness, or mild discomfort. These symptoms are normal and usually go away with simple home care.
We’ll give you detailed instructions on:
- What foods to avoid and what to eat during recovery
- How to clean the area without disturbing the graft
- When to rest and when to resume normal activity
You’ll return for follow-up visits so we can check your progress and make sure everything is healing according to plan.
Potential Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, bone grafting does carry some risks. These can include infection, minor bleeding, or graft not bonding properly.
At our practice, we take every precaution to minimize any of these risks. We use advanced imaging and proven surgical methods to ensure the best outcome. Our team monitors your healing closely and adjusts your care if needed. Choosing an experienced oral surgeon makes all the difference in safety and success.
Am I a Candidate for Bone Grafting?
You may need a bone graft if you’ve lost a tooth, are preparing for dental implants, or have experienced bone loss from injury or gum disease.
Certain health conditions may affect your ability to heal properly. If you smoke, have diabetes, or take certain medications, we’ll discuss how these factors might impact your treatment. If bone grafting isn’t right for you, we may explore other options like mini-implants or implant-supported dentures.
Specialized Techniques
Sinus Lift
This technique lifts the sinus membrane to make room for a bone graft in the upper jaw. It’s often needed when implants are planned in the back of the mouth where bone is naturally thinner.
Ridge Augmentation
When the jaw has shrunk or lost shape after tooth loss, ridge augmentation rebuilds the area to support implants. It helps improve both function and appearance.
Ridge Preservation
This is done right after a tooth is removed to prevent future bone loss. It helps preserve the shape and strength of your jaw in case you choose to get implants later.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for implants—or if you just want to explore your options—we’re here to help. Bone grafting is a safe and effective way to build a strong foundation for your future dental health.
