Grafting

People who lose a tooth often worry about how it looks or how well they can eat. But the jawbone that supports it may slowly get worse over the next few months. If this basic structure isn't there, it might not be possible to do dental restorations in the future, especially implants.

Bone grafting is a medically proven way to fix this issue. It lets oral surgeons add volume back in and make the structure strong enough to last. This procedure not only improves the appearance of your teeth, but it also fixes the real issue of losing teeth and getting your mouth back to normal.

Learning About How and Why Bones Break

The teeth help keep the bone in the mouth, especially in the alveolar ridge, in the right shape. When a tooth is pulled, the bone around it stops getting mechanical stimulation. This can lead to resorption — a natural but unwanted process where the body breaks down bone tissue.

This can happen in a matter of months. Studies show:

  • More than half of the bone’s width may be lost within six months of extraction.
  • Bone loss may also occur due to periodontitis, trauma, long-term infection, or congenital issues.

Over time, the ridge becomes shorter and narrower, making dental implants difficult without grafting.

What Bone Grafting Is

Bone grafting is a well-known and carefully planned surgical procedure. The process often involves placing bone material or a bone-like substitute into the affected area to encourage regrowth.

Common graft material types include:

  • Autogenous grafts — taken from the patient.
  • Allografts — donor human bone.
  • Xenografts — animal-derived bone.
  • Synthetic substitutes — artificial bone materials.

These serve as scaffolds for new bone growth. Guided bone regeneration membranes (resorbable or non-resorbable) are used to protect the graft during healing.

When Grafting Is the Right Choice

Not everyone needs bone grafting, but for many, it is essential before dental implant placement. It becomes necessary when:

  • The tooth has been missing for a long time.
  • The ridge has been damaged by infection or trauma.
  • The extraction socket needs to be preserved for future restorations.
  • Additional procedures like ridge expansion or sinus lifts are required.

Benefits Beyond Implant Placement

  • Allows secure placement of implants when bone is insufficient.
  • Restores natural facial contours.
  • Prevents shifting of neighboring teeth.
  • Improves long-term gum health.
  • Ensures implants are placed at the ideal angle and depth.
  • Helps maintain soft-tissue shape for natural-looking results.

Things to Think About Before Grafting

Like any surgery, bone grafting requires proper planning and assessment. Healing may take a few months, and the timeline varies for every patient.

Important considerations include:

  • Smoking increases risk of complications.
  • Poorly controlled diabetes slows healing.
  • Oral hygiene habits influence long-term success.
  • Autogenous grafts may require recovery at multiple surgical sites.

Long-Term Care and Upkeep

With proper care, bone grafting delivers long-lasting results. Implants work equally well in grafted bone as in natural bone.

  • Good daily oral hygiene.
  • Regular dental cleanings.
  • Scheduled follow-ups to monitor healing.
  • Avoiding smoking and maintaining general health.

To Summarize

Bone grafting restores lost structure and supports long-lasting, functional dental restorations. It is one of the most effective and reliable procedures for patients undergoing implant treatment or extensive oral rehabilitation.

Call 515-416-6653 to see if bone grafting is a good choice for your treatment plan.