5 Commonly Asked Questions About Bone Grafting

Anyone with jawbone loss can consider bone grafting, especially if you are considering dental implants. The jawbone must have sufficient height and width to support an implant. Unfortunately, your jawbone may not be strong enough for an implant after losing its volume and density because of untreated tooth loss, advanced gum disease, or physical trauma. 

Besides dental implants, you can consider bone grafting to:

• Improve aesthetics
• Enhance your oral function
• Provide a better fit for dentures

The dentist will use dental X-rays to assess your jawbone and determine areas that need reinforcement with a bone graft. Before the procedure, the dentist will anesthetize your gums to ensure a comfortable dental experience. 

The bone grafting procedure is quick and straightforward. The dentist will make a small incision on the gums to uncover the underlying bone. Then, he’ll position the bone graft on the jawbone and suture it to begin healing. The doctor will wait 4-6 months for the bone graft to integrate with the jawbone to form a strong biological structure. Dental grafts have a success rate of over 95% so that you can expect durable and predictable outcomes.

You should resume your normal activities after a few days. However, your bone grafts need several months to fuse with the jawbone. Observe good oral hygiene as you heal, but be careful around the graft site. Start with easy-to-chew foods and transition to harder foods when it feels “normal.” Quit smoking and alcohol because they contain substances that can delay healing. Finally, adhere to check-in appointments to allow the dentist to monitor your healing progress.