Why Is Bone Grafting Needed?

When a tooth is lost or removed, the jawbone that once supported it begins to shrink. Over time, this bone resorption can make dental implant placement difficult or even impossible without grafting.

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that rebuilds bone where it's been lost, allowing your oral surgeon to safely place a dental implant and restore function.

Common Reasons for Bone Loss

• Tooth loss without replacement
• Advanced periodontal (gum) disease
• Infections or cysts
• Trauma or facial injury
• Developmental defects
• Long-term denture wear

If you've been told you don't have enough bone for an implant, you may still be a candidate with the help of oral and maxillofacial surgeons near you who specialize in grafting procedures.

Types of Bone Grafting Procedures We Offer

At Oral Surgery Partners, we customize the bone grafting approach to your needs based on the area, amount of bone loss, and implant plan.

Socket Preservation

Also called ridge preservation, this technique is used immediately after a tooth extraction to preserve the bone and soft tissue. A grafting material is placed into the empty socket to prevent shrinkage and prepare for future implant placement.

Ridge Augmentation

When bone width or height is insufficient for implants, ridge augmentation adds volume to the jaw. This is especially important in areas with long-standing tooth loss or after traumatic injury.

Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation)

In the upper jaw, the sinus cavity can expand into areas where bone once supported the teeth. A sinus lift gently elevates the sinus membrane and places bone grafting material beneath it, allowing implants to be placed in the back of the upper jaw.

Block Grafting

For larger bone defects, a block of bone — often from another area of your jaw — is secured in the deficient site. This approach is used when significant vertical or horizontal bone loss has occurred.

L-PRF Enhanced Grafting

We often enhance healing and graft integration using L-PRF (Leukocyte Platelet-Rich Fibrin), a natural growth factor derived from your own blood. It promotes faster healing and better bone regeneration.

What Materials Are Used?

Depending on your specific case, we may use:

• Autograft – bone from your own body (often from another site in your mouth)
• Allograft – donor bone material, processed for safety
• Xenograft – animal-derived grafting material
• Alloplast – synthetic biocompatible materials

Your oral surgeon will explain which option is best based on the site, health status, and implant goals.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Bone grafting is typically performed in-office under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the complexity. Your surgeon will:

1. Access the graft site with a small incision
2. Place the grafting material and secure it in position
3. Suture the area to protect the graft during healing
4. Provide detailed aftercare instructions for recovery

Healing time varies but generally takes 3 to 6 months before dental implant placement can occur.

Why Choose Oral Surgery Partners for Bone Grafting?

• Board-certified oral surgeons with medical and dental training
• 3D digital imaging and surgical planning for precision
• Access to advanced biologics and healing aids
• In-office IV sedation and general anesthesia
• Seamless coordination with your implant restoration dentist
• Flexible financing options available
• In-network with Delta Dental PPO and coordination with major PPO plans

We’ve helped thousands of patients prepare for dental implants with successful grafting techniques, even in cases of severe bone loss.