Have you been told you need a bone graft before getting dental implants? If so, you're not alone as more than half of dental implant patients (58 percent) will likely require bone grafting.
Many bone grafting patients may feel anxious, but understanding the process can ease your concerns.
Bone grafting is a sophisticated yet common procedure that creates a solid foundation for dental implants, restoring both function and confidence.
“Bone grafting can be used in medical/dental procedures, such as tooth extractions, dental implant placement, facial trauma treatment and reconstructive surgery of the mouth, face and jaws. The goal of bone grafting is to provide good quantity and quality of bone at the desired site for proper form and function,” explains the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) .
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this life-changing procedure.
Your natural teeth do more than just help you chew and speak clearly. Their roots extend deep into your jawbone, providing stimulation that maintains bone density and strength.
When a tooth is lost or extracted, that stimulation disappears, and the bone begins to recede — a process called resorption. Within just the first year after tooth loss, you can lose up to 25 percent of your jawbone width in that area.
Bone grafting becomes necessary in several situations:
Without adequate bone volume, dental implants cannot be properly anchored. A successful implant requires not just sufficient height but also width of bone — something many patients lack after experiencing tooth loss.
“Bone grafting to facilitate dental implant therapy enables patients improve their capacity for more effective chewing and can improve appearance when visible missing teeth are replaced. Improved function also includes improved speech when missing teeth affects a patient’s ability to speak normally,” says AAOMS.
Your natural teeth do more than just help you chew and speak clearly. Their roots extend deep into your jawbone, providing stimulation that maintains bone density and strength.
When a tooth is lost or extracted, that stimulation disappears, and the bone begins to recede — a process called resorption. Within just the first year after tooth loss, you can lose up to 25 percent of your jawbone width in that area.
Bone grafting becomes necessary in several situations:
Without adequate bone volume, dental implants cannot be properly anchored. A successful implant requires not just sufficient height but also width of bone — something many patients lack after experiencing tooth loss.
“Bone grafting to facilitate dental implant therapy enables patients improve their capacity for more effective chewing and can improve appearance when visible missing teeth are replaced. Improved function also includes improved speech when missing teeth affects a patient’s ability to speak normally,” says AAOMS.
Modern bone grafting offers several source options, each with specific advantages:
Autografts: Bone harvested from your own body, typically from the jaw, hip, or tibia. This option offers excellent compatibility (and no disease transmission risk) but requires an additional surgical site.
Allografts: Human donor bone that has been carefully processed and sterilized. This eliminates the need for a second surgical site while still providing an excellent framework for new bone growth.
Xenografts: Derived from animal sources (typically bovine or equine), these materials have had all organic components removed, leaving only the mineral structure that supports bone regeneration.
Alloplastics: Synthetic materials specifically engineered to mimic natural bone composition. These biocompatible materials provide scaffolding for your own bone cells to grow.
Growth factors: Advanced biologics like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) may be used alongside grafting materials to accelerate healing and bone formation.
Your oral surgeon will recommend the most appropriate material based on the location and extent of bone loss, your medical history, and the planned restoration.
The entire procedure typically takes 45-90 minutes, depending on the extent of grafting needed.
Immediate aftercare: Following your procedure, you'll receive detailed instructions for care, including:
Follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups will allow your surgeon to monitor healing and determine when the site is ready for implant placement.
Healing timeline: While soft tissue healing occurs within weeks, complete bone maturation takes several months. Patience during this phase is essential for optimal results.
Is bone grafting painful? During the procedure, you'll be completely comfortable under anesthesia. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate and can be managed effectively with prescribed medications.
How long until I can receive dental implants? The waiting period varies based on the extent of grafting and your body's healing response. Minor grafts may be ready for implants in 3-4 months, while larger reconstructions might require 6-9 months.
What are the success rates for bone grafting? When performed by board-certified oral surgeons, bone grafting procedures have success rates over 95 percent. Following aftercare instructions precisely significantly improves outcomes.
Will insurance cover bone grafting? Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for bone grafting, especially when it's medically necessary. Our office staff can help you understand your benefits and explore financing options.
Bone grafting is a sophisticated procedure that requires specialized training and experience. Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete at least four years of hospital-based surgical residency training beyond dental school, gaining extensive experience in bone grafting techniques.
“An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) is an expert in bone reconstruction and will help you make the best decision about what kind of bone to use and how best to use it,” says AAOMS.
At Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our board-certified surgeons perform thousands of successful bone grafting procedures each year and are trained in various techniques of bone grafting to the dentoalveolar region. We combine extensive clinical expertise with the latest technological advances to provide optimal outcomes with minimal discomfort.
If you've been told you need bone grafting or are considering dental implants, consulting with a specialist is your crucial first step. Contact Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation to determine if bone grafting is necessary for your specific situation.