Restoring Your Jawbone for Implant Success
Bone grafting is a specialized procedure that rebuilds or augments the jawbone to create an ideal environment for dental implant placement. When teeth are missing for an extended period, the jawbone naturally begins to deteriorate in a process called resorption.
This loss of bone volume can make it challenging or impossible to place dental implants without first rebuilding the foundation. Our advanced bone grafting techniques allow many patients who were previously not candidates for implants to successfully receive them.
Using state-of-the-art biomaterials and precise surgical techniques, we can predictably restore your jawbone's volume and density, creating the optimal conditions for implant success.
When Bone Grafting Is Needed
- ✓ Long-term tooth loss causing bone resorption
- ✓ Gum disease that has damaged the underlying bone
- ✓ Trauma or injury to the jaw
- ✓ Developmental defects or congenital conditions
- ✓ Preparation for implant placement in the upper back jaw (sinus lift)
Types of Bone Grafting Procedures
Socket Preservation
Performed immediately after tooth extraction, this procedure preserves the bone socket by filling it with grafting material, preventing the bone loss that typically occurs after extraction and maintaining the site for future implant placement.
Ridge Augmentation
This procedure rebuilds the alveolar ridge (the bone that surrounds the roots of teeth) when it has deteriorated due to long-term tooth loss, creating adequate width and height for implant placement.
Sinus Lift
Also called sinus augmentation, this specialized procedure adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars by lifting the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material beneath it.
Bone Grafting Materials
Autografts
Bone harvested from your own body, typically from another area of the jaw, hip, or tibia.
Advantage: Highest compatibility with no risk of rejection
Allografts
Processed bone from a human donor, carefully screened and treated to ensure safety.
Advantage: No need for a second surgical site to harvest bone
Xenografts
Bone material derived from animals (typically bovine), processed to remove all organic components.
Advantage: Excellent structural properties and availability
Synthetic Materials
Laboratory-created materials that mimic natural bone mineral composition.
Advantage: No risk of disease transmission and consistent quality
The Bone Grafting Process
Comprehensive Evaluation
We'll perform a thorough examination and 3D imaging to assess your bone structure and determine the type and amount of grafting needed.
Grafting Procedure
Under local anesthesia and sedation if desired, we'll place the grafting material precisely where needed to rebuild your jawbone.
Healing Period
Over the next 4-6 months, your body will integrate the grafting material, transforming it into natural bone tissue.
Implant Placement
Once the graft has fully matured, we'll place your dental implants into the newly reinforced bone, providing a solid foundation for your new teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bone grafting painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during the surgery. Some discomfort, swelling, and bruising may occur during recovery, but this can typically be managed with prescribed pain medication and generally subsides within a few days.
How long does it take to recover from bone grafting?
Soft tissue healing typically occurs within 1-2 weeks, but the complete integration of the bone graft takes approximately 4-6 months, depending on the size of the graft and individual healing factors.
Can dental implants be placed at the same time as bone grafting?
In some cases, minor grafting and implant placement can be performed simultaneously. However, for significant bone loss, it's usually necessary to allow the graft to fully mature before placing implants to ensure optimal success rates.
Are there alternatives to bone grafting?
For some patients, alternatives like mini dental implants or specialized implant placement techniques (such as All-on-4) may allow for implant placement without extensive grafting. During your consultation, we'll discuss all available options based on your specific situation.
Don't Let Bone Loss Prevent You From Getting Implants
Contact our New Jersey bone grafting specialists today to learn how we can help build a solid foundation for your dental implants and restore your smile.