What Is Bone Grafting in Dentistry? A Beginner’s Guide for Patients

If you’ve ever been told you need a dental bone graft, don’t worry. You’re not alone, and it’s not as scary as it sounds. At Maple Dental, we know how overwhelming dental procedures can seem when you’re unfamiliar with the terms. That’s why we’ve created this easy-to-understand dental bone graft guide to walk you through what it is, why it’s done, and what to expect if you ever need one.

What is bone grafting in dentistry?

Bone grafting in dentistry is a procedure where we add bone or a bone-like material into your jaw to help strengthen it. This is usually done when there isn’t enough natural bone to support a dental implant or other dental treatments.

Loss of jawbone can happen for several reasons, including tooth loss, gum disease, or even injury. When a tooth is missing for a long time, the jawbone under it can start to shrink or deteriorate. Bone grafting helps rebuild that area so it’s strong enough for treatments like implants or dentures.

Why would I need a dental bone graft?

We might recommend a bone graft for a few different reasons, and it often depends on your oral health goals. The most common reason is to prepare your mouth for a dental implant. Implants require a solid foundation of bone to stay secure. If you don’t have enough bone in the area, a graft helps restore what’s missing.

Other times, we may perform bone grafting in dentistry to treat bone loss caused by gum disease or after a tooth extraction to preserve the jawbone for future options. It’s a proactive step to keep your mouth healthy and your options open.

What types of bone grafts are there?

There are a few different kinds of bone grafts, and we choose the best one based on your unique needs. Here are the most common types:

• Autograft: Bone is taken from another part of your own body, often the hip or jaw.
• Allograft: Bone comes from a human donor, usually through a bone bank.
• Xenograft: Bone is derived from an animal source, often bovine (cow) bone.
• Alloplast: Synthetic materials that mimic natural bone.

Don’t worry. We’ll walk you through your options and explain what’s best for your situation. At Maple Dental, your comfort and confidence are our priorities.

What happens during the procedure?

The procedure is usually done in our office and can often be completed under local anesthesia, though sedation options are available for patients who feel anxious. After numbing the area, we place the grafting material into the jawbone and secure it. In many cases, a small membrane or mesh may be placed over the graft to protect it.

Once the graft is in place, your body begins the process of creating new bone. This healing phase is crucial. It typically takes a few months for the graft to fuse with your natural bone and become strong enough for the next step, like placing a dental implant.

What can I expect after the procedure?

Mild discomfort and swelling are normal for a few days, and we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you recover comfortably. Over-the-counter pain medications are usually enough to manage any soreness, though we’ll let you know if anything stronger is needed.

We’ll also schedule follow-up visits to check on your healing progress. It’s important to keep your mouth clean and avoid disturbing the grafted area while it heals. If you ever have questions during recovery, don’t hesitate to call us at 760-949-7274. We’re here to help.

Who is a good candidate for dental bone grafting?

Not everyone needs a bone graft, but if you’ve experienced tooth loss or gum disease, or if you’ve been told your jawbone isn’t strong enough for implants, you might be a good candidate. As a trusted dentist in the High Desert of Hesperia, we’ll evaluate your situation with X-rays and imaging to determine what’s best for your long-term oral health.

Ready to learn more?

If you think bone grafting in dentistry might be part of your treatment plan or if you’re just looking for clear answers, our team at Maple Dental is happy to help. We believe in personalized care and taking the time to make sure you understand every step of your journey.

You can book an appointment or give us a call at 760-949-7274 to speak with a friendly member of our team. Whether you’re considering dental implants, bone grafting, or just want to explore your options, we’re here to guide you.