Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

A bone graft is a surgical procedure used to restore or rebuild bone that has been lost due to trauma, tooth loss, or gum disease. In dentistry, bone grafting is most commonly performed to strengthen the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for long-term oral health and dental implants.

During a bone grafting procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon places grafting material in areas where bone density has diminished. Today, this material is most often a biocompatible bone graft substitute, although grafts may also come from your own bone, a donor source, or a synthetic material. Once placed, the graft acts as a framework that encourages your body to generate new, healthy bone over time.

Bone grafts are frequently recommended to:

• Repair bone damage caused by gum disease

• Prevent further bone loss after tooth extraction

• Improve the success and longevity of dental implants

• Help preserve your natural teeth whenever possible

When a tooth is missing, a dental implant can replace the root of the tooth using a small titanium post placed in the jawbone. For an implant to be successful, there must be sufficient bone to support it. If the jawbone has weakened or deteriorated, a bone graft may be necessary before an implant can be placed, ensuring a strong, stable, and lasting result.