One of the reasons a dental implant is such an effective way to replace missing or damaged teeth is how stable the replacement tooth feels. By inserting a titanium anchor directly into the jaw bone, the crown has a strong base that is firmly entrenched in your mouth.
However, what happens if your jaw bone is too thin or soft to fully support the dental implant? If that is the case, your oral surgeon will likely suggest a bone graft.
A dental bone graft is a minor surgical procedure that replaces and regenerates lost bone in your jaw. It involves adding bone material – either natural or synthetic – to areas where bone is thin or has deteriorated.
This material helps stimulate your body’s natural bone growth, creating a stronger, more stable foundation for future dental work such as implants, bridges, or dentures.
Common bone graft materials include:
1. Before Getting Dental Implants – This is the most common reason for bone grafting.
Dental implants require a solid foundation of healthy bone to fuse properly with the jaw — a process called osseointegration.
If your jawbone isn’t thick enough or has deteriorated after tooth loss, an implant can’t be securely placed. A bone graft rebuilds the bone so the implant can bond successfully.
2. After Tooth Extraction – When a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone begins to shrink within weeks. Placing a bone graft immediately after extraction (called a socket preservation graft) helps maintain the bone’s shape and density, making future implant placement easier and more predictable.
3. To Repair Bone Loss from Gum Disease – Advanced periodontal (gum) disease can cause the jawbone to deteriorate around teeth, leading to loose or shifting teeth. A bone graft can help rebuild the damaged areas, strengthen bone support, and improve oral health stability.
4. After Facial Injury or Trauma – Accidents, fractures, or other injuries to the jaw can cause significant bone loss or deformities. Bone grafting helps restore both the appearance and structure of the jaw, allowing for normal function and future restorative procedures.
5. To Support Dentures or Bridges – If you wear removable dentures or plan to get fixed dental bridges, sufficient bone is necessary for comfort and stability. A bone graft can help reshape and strengthen the jawbone to ensure dentures fit securely and comfortably.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will use digital X-rays or 3D cone-beam scans to evaluate your jawbone.
Signs you might need a bone graft include:
If bone loss is detected, your provider will discuss the best type of graft and treatment timeline for your needs.
The teeth and the jaw have a symbiotic relationship. Jawbone growth is stimulated through the pressure of chewing, and teeth are held in place by the strong jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the area of the jawbone that was once stimulated by the pressure that particular tooth provided, the bone begins to deteriorate and become reabsorbed by the body. This happens quickly – 25% of the bone is lost within the first year. It’s important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible in order to prevent jawbone deterioration.
Most patients recover from the initial procedure within a couple of weeks, though it can take several months for the graft material to fully fuse with your jawbone. This gradual process, known as osseointegration, is essential for creating a strong, stable foundation for future dental implants.
After your bone grafting procedure, Dr. Hage will provide prescriptions to support a comfortable and safe recovery — typically an antibiotic to prevent infection and pain medication if needed. You may be advised to limit physical activity and stick to a soft, bland diet while your incisions heal.
Most healthy adults are good candidates for bone grafting. However, patients with uncontrolled diabetes, active infections, or certain autoimmune conditions may need additional evaluation before proceeding. Your dentist will review your medical history and oral health to determine the safest, most effective approach.
No. Not everyone needs a bone graft before getting dental implants. If you’re considering dental implants to replace a missing tooth or teeth, or you’re seeking a more permanent alternative to dentures, schedule a consultation with our dental implant specialists at University Dental. They’ll be able to assess and evaluate your oral health and the sufficiency of your jawbone to determine whether or not a bone graft is needed.
You don’t want just anyone performing a bone graft procedure. While at this point the procedure is relatively simple, in the wrong hands it can quickly become complicated. University Dental has years of experience performing bone graft procedures. Our dental surgeons and dental implant specialists have the experience and knowledge needed to efficiently and effectively perform a bone graft and dental implant.
Dr. Hage has done tens of thousands of successful dental and surgical procedures since 2005, notably more than 3000. If you are in need of a dental implant or bone graft, contact University Dental by giving us a call at (619) 582-4224.
Dental implant dentist Dr. Hage is very detail-oriented, has a passion for technology, constantly invests in new cutting-edge equipment and has more than 1000 successful dental implant surgeries in his resume. Dr. Hage is well known for over-engineering dental treatment plans often at no extra charge for patients. He believes in Quality Dental Works Without Compromise.
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