What Is a Dental Bone Graft?
A bone graft for teeth is a surgical procedure that increases the amount of bone in areas of the jaw that have lost bone or need additional support. The replacement bone is transplanted to places where density is needed, triggering the body’s natural healing process. Over time, the grafted bone integrates with the existing bone to rebuild areas of bone loss and create a stable foundation for various dental treatments.
Bone grafts are performed in three ways, depending on the specific issues contributing to bone loss.
- Bone may be taken from the back of the jaw in cases where bone loss occurs toward the front of the jaw.
- Sometimes, the sinuses shift downward when bone loss develops near the upper molars. A bone graft to stabilize the upper jaw pushes them back into the proper position.
- We also use bone grafts to secure bone sockets after tooth extraction.
Reasons for Dental Bone Grafting
Family Dentists at Thrive Dental & Orthodontics perform bone grafts for a variety of reasons:
To treat periodontal disease
Advanced gum disease can deteriorate the bone that supports your teeth. Bone grafting helps rebuild the lost bone and prevent further damage.
To preserve bone where teeth are missing
If you lose a tooth from injury, disease, or extraction, the underlying structures can weaken. A bone graft preserves the socket and prevents additional bone loss.
To prepare for dental implants
Healthy bone is necessary to secure a dental implant in the jaw. Bone grafts offer stability for the implant to integrate successfully with the jaw and support replacement teeth.
To correct jaw abnormalities
Jaw irregularities can occur at birth, during development, or through an injury or disease. These issues can affect jaw function and facial aesthetics. Grafts rebuild and reshape the jawbone to improve symmetry and oral health.
What to Expect From a Bone Graft Procedure
Now, let’s look at what a typical dental bone graft involves.
Anesthesia
Trained professionals administer anesthesia to the patient. To ensure your comfort, Thrive Dental offers several sedation methods, including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, conscious sedation, and IV sedation.
Incision
The dentist makes an incision in the gum tissue to access the area where bone damage or loss has occurred. Gum tissue is gently moved aside so the jawbone becomes visible.
Bone Graft Placement
Once the treatment site is cleaned and disinfected, the graft material is added to the treatment site and secured into position with a dissolvable adhesive or special screws.
Closure
The dentist closes the incision with staples or stitches. Now, the healing process begins as the graft integrates with the existing jaw bone and stimulates the growth of new bone.
Recovery
After oral surgery, you may have mild swelling, bruising, or soreness, which can usually be managed with pain relievers. These are typical side effects, which should ease in a few days. Although you should feel better in a week or two, it actually takes several months for the graft to heal completely. We check your progress during follow-up visits.
Bone grafts have a high success rate. But of course, with any procedure, there is a risk of failure. Contact Thrive Dental if you have gum recession, drainage at the graft site, or pain and swelling that worsens after a few days.
Is a Bone Graft Painful?
No. If you are scheduled for a bone graft for implants or other dental concerns, let us reassure you that it will be a comfortable experience. Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to prevent pain and discomfort. We explain your sedation method before oral surgery so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
Bone Graft Cost
The cost of a bone graft can vary greatly depending on the extent of the procedure and the materials used. If bone grafts are medically necessary, part of the cost may be covered by your insurance.
You can cut down on dental care costs with Thrive Dental’s Healthy Smiles Discount Plan or take advantage of our in-house financing to spread payments out over time. We work hard to ensure you have access to essential services and cosmetic treatments that help you smile bright today—and for years to come!
To meet our dentists and learn more about these and other dental services, visit Thrive Dental & Orthodontics on YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest. Or book an appointment online to learn how we can help you achieve a healthy smile! Our offices are conveniently located in Frisco, Allen, Sachse, Richardson, and Dallas, Texas.
