Bone Grafts

A dental bone graft is a procedure that rebuilds lost jaw bone by placing grafting material in the affected area to encourage the body to grow new, healthy bone. It's most commonly used to prepare the jaw for dental implants when bone loss has left the jaw too weak to support them. The grafting material acts as a scaffold that the body gradually replaces with its own bone tissue.

Bone grafting is necessary when the jaw has lost density due to tooth loss, advanced gum disease, or other dental conditions. Without enough bone mass, dental implants can't be placed successfully. A bone graft rebuilds the jaw to the point where it can support an implant, giving you a path forward toward a restored smile and improved oral function.

Jawbone loss most commonly occurs after tooth loss, since the bone that once surrounded the tooth root no longer receives the stimulation it needs to stay healthy. Advanced gum disease is another leading cause, as the infection breaks down the bone and tissue supporting the teeth. Other contributing factors can include injury, infection, or certain medical conditions that affect bone density.

A bone graft works by placing grafting material into an area of the jaw where bone has been lost. This material, which can come from the patient's own body, a donor source, or a synthetic option, provides a framework for the body to grow new bone tissue. Over the following months, the body gradually replaces the grafting material with its own bone, restoring density and strength to the jaw.

The bone grafting procedure is performed with local anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. Sedation options are also available if you'd like a deeper level of relaxation. Some soreness, swelling, and tenderness in the days following the graft are normal. Your periodontist will give you aftercare instructions and recommend ways to manage any discomfort during the healing period.

Initial recovery from a bone graft typically takes one to two weeks, during which some swelling and soreness are expected. Full bone integration, meaning the point at which the graft has fully fused with the existing jawbone, takes several months. Your periodontist will monitor your healing progress and let you know when your jaw is ready for the next phase of treatment.

The timeline varies depending on the size of the graft and how quickly your body heals, but most people wait four to six months after a bone graft before implant placement can begin. Your periodontist will use imaging to confirm that the graft has integrated successfully and that your jaw has the density needed to support an implant before moving forward.

Bone loss in the jaw can cause the face to take on a sunken or aged appearance over time, as the underlying structure that supports the facial tissues gradually shrinks. Bone grafting rebuilds that structure, helping to restore a more natural facial contour. For many people, this improvement in facial volume is an added benefit beyond the functional goal of preparing for dental implants.