The Facts About Dental Bone Grafting
Dental bone grafting at Romeoville Dental Center is a standard procedure that helps rebuild or strengthen areas of the jawbone that have thinned or weakened over time. If you’ve been told you need a bone graft (especially before getting a dental implant), it’s normal to have questions. The good news is that bone grafting is a well-established and predictable method for creating a healthier foundation for your smile.
What is dental bone grafting?
A dental bone graft is a material placed in the jaw to encourage your body to regenerate new bone in a specific area. Think of it as scaffolding that supports the healing process. Over several months, your body replaces much of the graft material with your own natural bone, making the area stronger and more stable.
Why does bone loss happen?
Your jawbone stays strong when it’s regularly stimulated, mainly by chewing and by the roots of your teeth. When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area no longer gets the stimulation it needs, so it can gradually shrink. Bone loss can also result from gum disease, injuries, long-term infections, or the prolonged use of dentures.
How does the grafting process work?
Bone grafting can be done at the time of a tooth extraction or as a separate procedure. After numbing the area (and offering sedation options when appropriate), your dentist places the graft material where more bone is needed. The area is often covered with a protective membrane and then closed with stitches. Your body does the real work afterward, healing and building new bone over time. Most patients describe recovery as similar to having a tooth extracted, with some swelling and soreness for a few days, which is usually managed with medication and simple aftercare.
What does bone grafting help with?
Bone grafting can help:
- Preserve the jawbone after an extraction.
- Improve support for implants or bridges.
- Restore bone lost from periodontal (gum) disease.
- Improve the fit and stability of dentures.
- Protect nearby teeth and maintain facial structure.
Why is it often needed for dental implants?
Dental implants function like artificial tooth roots, and they require sufficient healthy bone to remain secure. If the bone is too thin or soft, an implant may not have the support it needs to heal properly. A bone graft helps create the strong, stable foundation that allows an implant to integrate with the jawbone—one of the key reasons implants can look, feel, and function so much like natural teeth.
If you’re considering implants or have been told you need a graft, our team can walk you through your options and create a plan that feels comfortable and clear. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
