Bone grafting rebuilds areas of the jaw where bone has been lost due to tooth loss, periodontal disease, or trauma. It may also be used after a tooth extraction to preserve bone or to create the support needed for future dental implant placement.
When Is Bone Grafting Needed?
The jawbone depends on stimulation from the teeth to maintain its shape and volume. After a tooth is lost or removed, the surrounding bone can gradually shrink in height and width. Other conditions can also affect the amount of healthy bone available.
Bone grafting may be recommended for patients who:
- Are preparing for dental implants: Adequate bone is needed to support an implant. Grafting can rebuild areas where the jawbone is too thin or has lost volume.
- Are having a tooth removed: Graft material can be placed in the empty socket after an extraction to help preserve the bone for a future dental implant.
- Have been missing teeth for some time: Bone loss can progress after tooth loss, sometimes leaving insufficient bone for conventional implant placement.
- Have bone loss from periodontal disease: Advanced gum disease can damage the bone that supports the teeth.
- Have experienced trauma or developmental bone loss: Injury or developmental conditions can affect the shape and amount of available jawbone.
The type and extent of bone grafting needed will depend on where bone loss has occurred, how much bone needs to be restored, and the treatment planned for that area.
Types of Dental Bone Grafts
Several types of graft material can be used to rebuild or preserve jawbone. The appropriate material depends on the location of the graft, the amount of bone needed, and the overall treatment plan.
Common types include:
- Autograft: Bone taken from another area of the patient’s own body.
- Allograft: Bone obtained from a human donor and processed for use as grafting material.
- Alloplast: Synthetic bone graft material made from biocompatible materials such as calcium phosphates or calcium sulfate.
The graft material provides a framework that supports new bone formation as the surgical site heals. Over time, new bone develops within and around the grafted area.
What to Expect During a Bone Grafting Procedure
The bone grafting procedure varies depending on how much bone needs to be restored and where the graft is being placed. Treatment generally includes the following stages:
- Consultation and planning: Dr. Kesecker evaluates your oral health, reviews your treatment needs, and uses 3D imaging when planning dental implant treatment.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is used to numb the surgical area. Sedation options may also be discussed depending on the procedure and individual needs.
- Graft placement: The surgical site is prepared, and the selected graft material is placed in the area where additional bone is needed.
- Protection of the graft: The graft is stabilized as needed, and the gum tissue is repositioned and sutured to protect the area during early healing.
- Healing: New bone gradually forms as the graft integrates with the surrounding jawbone. If the graft is being performed before dental implant placement, the site will be reevaluated after healing to determine when it is ready for the implant.
Some grafting procedures are relatively localized, such as placing graft material into the socket after a tooth extraction. Rebuilding an area where significant bone loss has already occurred may require a more extensive procedure.
Recovery After Bone Grafting
Swelling, soreness, and minor bleeding are common during the first several days after a dental bone graft. These symptoms should gradually improve as the surgical area begins to heal.
During early recovery, it is important to protect the graft and avoid disturbing the surgical site. You may need to eat softer foods, modify how you brush around the area, and avoid strenuous activity for a period of time. Smoking, drinking through a straw, and using a water flosser around the surgical site should also be avoided during early healing.
Dr. Kesecker will provide specific post-operative instructions based on your procedure. Following these instructions and attending recommended follow-up appointments allow us to monitor the graft as it heals.
Rebuilding Bone for Long-Term Oral Health
Bone grafting can restore areas of the jaw where bone has been lost and help preserve the foundation needed for healthy teeth, dental implants, or other restorative treatment. At Legacy Surgery, Dr. Jeffery Kesecker develops an individualized surgical plan based on the location and extent of bone loss and your treatment needs.
Schedule a consultation to learn whether bone grafting is right for you and which treatment approach may best meet your needs.
FAQs
How painful is getting a dental bone graft?
Most patients tolerate bone grafting very well. Local anesthesia keeps the area numb during the procedure, and sedation may be used when appropriate. Mild soreness and swelling are common afterward and can typically be managed with the over-the-counter medication.
Can a bone graft and dental implant be done at the same time?
In some cases, bone grafting can be performed at the same time as dental implant placement. Whether this is possible depends on how much healthy bone is already present, the amount of grafting required, and whether the implant can achieve adequate stability.
What could cause a dental bone graft to fail?
A bone graft may not heal properly if the area becomes infected or the graft is disturbed during healing. Smoking can also interfere with blood flow and the body’s ability to form new bone. Following your post-operative instructions and keeping scheduled follow-up visits can help support proper healing.
Does everyone need a bone graft after a tooth extraction?
No. Bone grafting is not necessary after every tooth extraction. It may be recommended when preserving the dimensions of the extraction site is important, particularly when a dental implant is planned for that area.
Where can I get dental bone grafting in the Shenandoah Valley?
Legacy Surgery provides dental bone grafting at our Harrisonburg and Staunton locations for patients throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Care is provided by Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who performs bone grafting as part of dental implant and reconstructive treatment.