When teeth are lost or bone is damaged, the jaw can change in ways that affect both appearance and oral health. One of the most common solutions for rebuilding lost bone is a procedure called bone grafting.
Bone grafting is often an important step in oral surgery, especially for patients considering dental implants or those who need to restore strength and stability to their jaw. Understanding how bone grafting works and what to expect can help patients feel more confident about their treatment.
What Is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure used to rebuild or repair bone in the jaw. It involves placing bone material in areas where bone is missing or weakened, encouraging the body to regenerate new bone tissue.
Over time, the grafted material fuses with the patient’s natural bone, creating a stronger foundation for teeth, implants, or overall oral health.
Why Bone Grafting May Be Needed
There are several reasons why a patient might require a bone graft:
- Tooth loss: When teeth are missing, the jawbone in that area begins to shrink.
- Gum disease: Advanced periodontal disease can lead to bone deterioration.
- Injury or trauma: Accidents may damage or fracture the jawbone.
- Developmental issues: Some patients naturally have insufficient bone in certain areas.
- Preparing for dental implants: Implants require stable, dense bone for long-term success.
Without adequate bone, restorative procedures such as implants may not be possible. Bone grafting helps restore both function and appearance.
Types of Bone Grafts
There are several types of bone grafts, each designed for specific needs. A dental surgeon will recommend the best option based on the patient’s situation.
Socket Preservation
This graft is placed immediately after a tooth extraction to prevent bone loss in the empty socket. It helps preserve the natural shape of the jaw and prepares the site for future implants.
Ridge Augmentation
When bone loss has already occurred, ridge augmentation restores the natural contour of the jaw. This improves both appearance and stability for implants or dentures.
Sinus Lift
For patients missing upper back teeth, the sinus cavity may expand into the jawbone space. A sinus lift adds bone beneath the sinus, creating enough height for implant placement.
Periodontal Bone Graft
Used for patients with gum disease, this graft fills areas where bone has been lost around existing teeth. It helps restore support and may save teeth at risk of loosening.
Bone Graft Materials
Bone grafts can be made from several different sources. Each has unique benefits, and the choice depends on patient needs, medical history, and surgeon preference.
- Autograft: Bone taken from another area of the patient’s body, such as the hip or jaw. Provides the best compatibility since it comes from the patient.
- Allograft: Bone sourced from a donor. Safe and effective, commonly used in dental procedures.
- Xenograft: Bone derived from an animal source (often bovine). Provides a natural framework for new bone growth.
- Alloplast: Synthetic bone material created in a lab. Biocompatible and designed to stimulate bone regeneration.
Modern bone graft materials are carefully processed and highly safe, with excellent success rates.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Bone grafting is typically performed in-office using local anesthesia and, in many cases, sedation for comfort.
- Preparation: The surgical site is cleaned and numbed.
- Placement: The bone graft material is carefully positioned in the area of bone loss.
- Stabilization: A membrane or sutures may be used to hold the graft in place.
- Healing: Over time, the body replaces the graft with new, healthy bone.
The procedure length depends on the size and complexity of the graft but is usually completed within one appointment.
Recovery and Healing
Healing after a bone graft takes time, as the body gradually builds new bone around the graft. Most patients experience mild swelling or soreness for a few days, which can be managed with pain medication and rest.
Tips for smoother recovery include:
- Stick to soft foods: Avoid hard or crunchy foods that could irritate the site.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush and rinse carefully, following instructions.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking delays healing and reduces graft success.
- Attend follow-up visits: Monitoring ensures the graft is healing properly.
Complete healing may take several months, but many patients can move on to implant placement or other restorative procedures once the bone is ready.
Success Rates and Long-Term Outcomes
Bone grafting has a high success rate when performed by experienced professionals. Once healed, the new bone provides a stable foundation for implants, supports teeth, and helps preserve natural facial structure.
Patients who undergo bone grafting often notice improvements not just in dental function, but also in confidence and quality of life.
Building a Strong Foundation for Oral Health
Bone grafting is a reliable way to restore jawbone strength and prepare for treatments like dental implants. By replacing lost bone, this procedure helps protect long-term oral health and function.
If you’ve been told you may need a bone graft or want to learn more about your options, the team at Babston Oral Surgery is here to help. We use advanced techniques and compassionate care to ensure every patient has a strong foundation for a healthy smile. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.