Bone Grafting
Healthy jawbone plays an important role in supporting your teeth and maintaining your smile. When bone loss occurs due to missing teeth, gum disease, or tooth extractions, bone grafting may help rebuild the affected area. At Granada Dental, we help patients explore treatment options to restore jawbone structure and prepare for procedures such as dental implant placement.
What Is Dental Bone Grafting?
Dental bone grafting is a procedure that adds grafting material to an area of the jaw where bone volume has decreased or additional support is needed. Over time, the graft helps support new bone formation and healing in the treated area.
Bone grafting may be recommended before dental implant placement or following a tooth extraction to help preserve the natural shape of the jawbone. The recommended approach depends on your oral health, the amount of bone present, and your long-term treatment goals.
Why Might You Need Bone Grafting?
Bone loss can occur for several reasons, and not every patient who loses a tooth will require a bone graft. Your dentist may recommend this procedure if you have:
- Bone loss following tooth extraction or prolonged tooth loss.
- Insufficient jawbone volume to support dental implants.
- Bone deterioration associated with periodontal disease.
- Jawbone defects or irregularities that require reconstruction.
- A need to preserve the extraction site for future restorative treatment.
Benefits of Bone Grafting
When clinically appropriate, bone grafting can help restore areas of lost bone and support future dental treatment. Potential benefits include:
- Rebuilding jawbone volume in areas affected by bone loss.
- Creating a more suitable foundation for dental implants.
- Helping preserve the shape of the jaw following tooth extraction.
- Supporting certain restorative and reconstructive dental procedures.
- Improving treatment options for patients with insufficient bone structure.
Types of Dental Bone Grafting
Socket Preservation
Socket preservation involves placing grafting material in a tooth socket following extraction to help limit the loss of bone volume as the area heals. It may be recommended when future dental implant treatment is being considered.
Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation helps rebuild the width or height of the jawbone when bone loss has altered its natural shape. This procedure may create a more suitable foundation for dental implants or other restorative treatment.
Sinus Augmentation
Sinus augmentation, also called a sinus lift, adds bone beneath the sinus in the upper jaw when additional bone height is needed for dental implants in the back of the mouth.
What to Expect During the Bone Grafting Procedure
Consultation and Treatment Planning
Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and may recommend dental imaging to determine the extent of bone loss. This information helps guide the treatment plan and determine the appropriate grafting technique.
Graft Placement
During the procedure, the treatment area is prepared, and the selected grafting material is placed where additional bone support is needed. The area is then protected to allow healing to begin.
Healing and Bone Development
Over the following months, the grafted area heals and may develop sufficient bone to support the next stage of treatment. Healing time varies depending on the size and location of the graft and your individual needs.
Future Dental Implant Placement
If bone grafting is performed to prepare for dental implants, your dentist will evaluate the area after healing to determine when implant placement is appropriate. In selected cases, grafting and implant placement may be performed during the same appointment.
Recovery After Bone Grafting
Some swelling, tenderness, or minor bleeding may occur following bone grafting. Following your dentist’s post-operative instructions can help promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. You may be advised to eat soft foods temporarily, keep the area clean as directed, and avoid disturbing the surgical site.
Contact your dental provider if you experience worsening pain, persistent bleeding, fever, or other symptoms that concern you.
Is Bone Grafting Right for You?
Bone grafting may be an option if you have experienced jawbone loss or need additional bone support before receiving dental implants. Your dentist will consider your oral health, medical history, bone structure, and treatment goals when determining whether grafting is appropriate.
Schedule a Consultation at Granada Dental
If you have been told you do not have enough bone to support dental implants or are preparing for tooth replacement, Granada Dental can help you explore your options. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about dental bone grafting.