Bone Grafting

Why Bone Loss Happens

Your jawbone stays strong because the roots of your teeth stimulate it every time you chew. When a tooth is lost or removed, that stimulation stops and the bone begins to shrink, often noticeably within the first year. Gum disease and long-term denture wear can also wear bone away. Without enough bone, there's nothing solid for an implant to anchor into.

When You Might Need a Bone Graft

• To build up the jaw before a dental implant
• Right after an extraction, to preserve the socket for a future implant
• After bone loss from gum disease
• To restore a sunken look in the face after years of missing teeth
• Before a sinus lift or All-on-4 treatment

What to Expect

1. 3D imaging. A scan shows exactly how much bone you have and where it's needed.
2. Placing the graft. After numbing, grafting material is placed where bone is missing, often covered with a protective membrane.
3. Healing. Over the next few months, your body gradually replaces the graft with your own new bone.
4. Ready for your implant. Once the area has healed and strengthened, your implant can be placed. In some cases, the graft and implant are done at the same visit.

Bone Grafting FAQs

Where does the graft material come from?

Most grafts use safe, sterile, processed bone material that your body uses as a framework to grow new bone. We'll explain the best option for you.

Does it hurt?

The area is fully numbed. Afterward, mild swelling and soreness for a few days is common and managed with over-the-counter medication.

How long does healing take?

Usually three to six months before an implant can be placed, depending on the size of the graft.

Is it covered by insurance?

Coverage varies. We'll check your plan and give you an estimate before treatment.