This minor surgical procedure helps to replace lost bone, restoring the strength and contours of the jaw.
A way to prevent or correct bone loss
When a tooth is lost or extracted, the supporting jawbone is no longer stimulated by biting and chewing forces, signaling to the body it’s not needed anymore. Over time, the bone is resorbed. Severe gum disease, called periodontitis, can also lead to bone loss.
A bone graft encourages new bone to form, strengthening and stabilizing the jaw and making getting a dental implant possible. Bone grafting can be performed immediately after an extraction to prevent bone loss or down the road to rebuild bone that has already deteriorated.
What to expect when getting a bone graft
There are several different types of bone grafting procedures and a variety of grafting materials available. Our dentists most commonly use allografts, which are made of sterilized, donated bone particles. This means they don’t need to perform a second procedure to take bone from another area of your body. In general, the procedure is as follows:
- The dentist numbs the area with local anesthetic (we also offer sedation if you’re feeling anxious!).
- They make a small incision in the gum to access the bone.
- Bone grafting material is inserted and covered with a collagen membrane.
- As your body heals, it replaces the bone graft with its own bone.
Benefits Of Bone Grafting
Restores stability to the jaw
As the body creates new bone, it strengthens the jaw and restores its natural contours. This makes placing a dental implant possible.
May enhance your appearance
Replacing lost bone provides support for your facial structures, and it can help to prevent or reverse facial collapse.
Supports long-term oral health
Bone grafting can stop further bone loss in the affected area and related tooth loss, helping you maintain good oral health.
