When a tooth is removed or lost, the bone that once supported it begins to shrink during the healing process. This natural resorption of the jawbone can begin quickly after tooth loss and will continue for months or years if left untreated. Over time, this loss of bone volume can affect more than just your ability to replace the missing tooth. It can change your facial contours, limit your ability to chew comfortably, and make it difficult—or sometimes impossible—to place a dental implant without additional support.

Fortunately, with today’s advanced techniques, we can restore lost bone where needed. Bone grafting allows us to rebuild the foundation for implants that are both functional and esthetic—helping to maintain your facial structure, support long-term oral health, and improve the success of your future implant treatment.

Why Bone Grafting Matters

Bone loss is a natural response to tooth loss, but it can create long-term challenges if not addressed early. Without adequate bone, implants may not have enough support to remain stable, and the surrounding gum tissue can appear sunken or uneven. The goal is to restore both function and esthetics—so your results not only feel great but look natural, too. Bone grafting helps:

  • Preserve the natural shape of your jaw and face
  • Create the proper structure for placing dental implants
  • Improve the long-term success and stability of your implant
  • Support the health of neighboring teeth and gum tissue
  • Prevent collapse or shifting in areas where bone is missing

 

Preserving Bone After Tooth Loss

In many cases, we recommend placing a bone graft at the same time a tooth is removed. This procedure, called socket preservation, helps protect the empty socket and maintain the surrounding bone from shrinking during the healing process. By placing bone graft material directly into the extraction site, we help preserve the shape and volume of your jaw—giving you the best possible foundation for a future dental implant. Even if you do not plan to have a dental implant, the bone graft helps to maintain the natural esthetic and functional contours of your gum tissue and ensures neighboring teeth do not lose any support.

If a tooth is removed due to severe infection or advanced bone loss, additional grafting procedures may be recommended to rebuild enough bone to properly support an implant in the future.

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Delayed Implants and Bone Loss

When implant placement is delayed after a tooth is lost, the bone in that area does not receive the stimulation it needs to stay healthy. Without the pressure of a functioning tooth or implant, the bone continues to shrink. In these cases, a bone graft may be the key to making dental implants a viable option again.

For a dental implant to be successful long-term, it must fuse with healthy bone through a process called osseointegration. This fusion creates a strong, stable foundation that mimics a natural tooth root. Ensuring there is enough healthy bone at the site is essential for long-term implant success.

What Kind of Graft Material Is Used?

There are several types of grafting materials available, and we carefully select the one that best suits your treatment goals. These materials may come from donor sources, synthetic sources, or occasionally from the patient’s own body. All grafts are safe, biocompatible, and chosen based on decades of scientific research and clinical success.

At Park Cities Periodontics, we stay at the forefront of evidence-based techniques to ensure our patients receive care that is modern, predictable, and minimally invasive.

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Healing and Timeline

The healing timeline for bone grafting varies depending on the type of graft and the extent of bone loss. In most cases, we allow the site to heal for four to six months before placing a dental implant. During this time, the grafted material is gradually replaced by your own natural bone.

In some situations, especially when only a small amount of additional bone is needed, the implant and bone graft can be placed at the same time—streamlining the process and reducing the number of procedures needed.

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What to Expect

We begin with a thorough exam and 3D CBCT scan to evaluate the condition of your jawbone and plan the most effective approach. Our team will walk you through every detail of the procedure, from preparation to aftercare, so you feel informed and comfortable from the start.

For your comfort, we offer a variety of sedation options—including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and IV sedation—depending on your preference and the complexity of your treatment.

Rebuild Your Foundation for a Healthy Smile

If you have been told you do not have enough bone for an implant—or if it is been a while since you lost a tooth—bone grafting may be the solution that makes implants possible. Dr. Beth Tomlin and Dr. Stephanie Bowers have advanced training in surgical and regenerative procedures, and are here to guide you through the process with skill, experience, and care at every step.

Call Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at 214-522-9700 to schedule your consultation or request an appointment online. We are here to help you take the next step.