A dental implant needs solid bone to hold it. When a tooth has been missing for a while, the jawbone in that spot shrinks because it no longer gets stimulation from chewing. A bone graft, also called bone augmentation, rebuilds that bone so the implant has a stable base and your new tooth lasts.
Not everyone needs a graft, and we only recommend one when the exam and X-rays show it will help. At Singh Smile Care in Glendale we handle grafting and implants in the same office, so you have one team through the whole process.
Why Bone Is Lost After a Tooth
Chewing sends pressure through the tooth root into the jaw, and that pressure keeps the bone healthy. Once the tooth is gone, the signal stops and the body begins to reabsorb the bone. Gum disease can also destroy the bone that supports teeth. Tooth loss is common, especially later in life, and the longer a space is empty, the less bone is left to fuse with an implant.
When a Graft Is Needed
We decide after an oral exam and X-rays. Two things matter: how thick the bone is and how firm it is. Thin bone usually needs a graft before an implant. Soft bone may need a minor graft. A history of gum disease is a common sign that bone has been lost. Patients planning an implant who have had tooth loss or periodontal disease are the most likely to need one.
- Thin jawbone where the tooth was
- Soft or low-density bone
- History of gum disease
- Tooth missing for a long time
How Grafting Works
Graft material can come from your own body, from a donor, from an animal source, or from a synthetic material. In a minor surgical procedure, the graft is placed in the jaw where the implant will go. Over the next two to three months it fuses with your natural bone. Grafting is common in implant treatment, lowers the chance of implant failure, and improves how the final result looks and works.
What to Expect Afterward
Some swelling, bruising, and minor gum bleeding are normal. Eat soft foods, skip dark and sugary drinks, brush and floss gently, and use mouthwash as directed. We will check your healing and let you know when the site is ready for the implant. Choosing an experienced implant dentist matters, so ask about training and experience and look at reviews and results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a bone graft take?
It depends on the type and location, but it is usually a routine procedure done in a single visit, and you go home soon after. The healing and fusion period is about two to three months before the implant can be placed.
Are there alternatives to a bone graft?
For a single implant, grafting is often the only way to get enough bone. If you are replacing a full arch, implants may be placed in areas where bone is still strong, which can sometimes avoid a graft. We will go over what fits your mouth.
What should I look for in a provider?
Experience with grafting and implants, along with proper education and training. Ask how the process works, who else is involved, and how many cases they have done. Good reviews and before-and-after results are a plus.
What else might be recommended before an implant?
If a damaged or loose tooth is being replaced, it is removed first. Gum disease is treated before grafting so the graft heals well. Eroded or damaged teeth nearby may also be repaired.
Can anything help the bone heal?
In some cases, platelet-rich plasma or bone morphogenetic protein is used to help the graft regenerate and strengthen bone. We will tell you if either is appropriate for you.
Wondering If You Need a Graft?
Call (623) 400-6009 or book online for an implant consultation in Glendale.
