When Is Bone Grafting Necessary?

If you’re exploring dental implants to replace your missing tooth, and Dr. David Blaustein has recommended a bone graft, you might wonder what it is and why you need it. 

Bone grafting may sound intimidating, but it's a routine procedure that can help preserve oral health and make future dental work, especially dental implants, possible.

Take a moment as the Chelsea Dental Aesthetics team here in New York City explains more about bone grafting and what you can expect.

Bone grafting 101

Bone grafting is a procedure to rebuild or strengthen your jawbone. The procedure typically involves placing bone material (from your body or a donor source) into an area where the bone is thin, weak, or missing. 

Over time, your body replaces this graft with new, strong bone.

When you might need a bone graft

You might benefit from a bone graft if:

You need a dental implant but don’t have enough jawbone

Dental implants need a strong, stable foundation. If you've lost bone due to missing teeth, injury, or gum disease, there may not be enough bone to place an implant securely. 

That doesn’t mean you’re out of the running for an implant, though. Bone grafting helps rebuild the jawbone so your implant can last for years. Up to half of dental implant placements require a bone graft.

You need to support overdentures

Like single implants, implant-supported overdentures require sufficient jawbone to support each arch. Bone grafting can help improve the strength and shape of your jaw so your restoration fits more securely.

You’ve had a tooth extracted

When a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone can shrink over time. A small bone graft placed at the time of extraction can help preserve the bone and make future dental treatments easier.

Not everyone needs a bone graft at the time of an extraction. However, if you already have a weak jawbone and plan to get an implant, you might consider that path.

You have advanced gum disease and need an implant

Advanced gum disease doesn’t just affect your gums — it can also damage the bone that supports your teeth. Advanced gum disease can also lead to tooth loss.

Once your gum disease and any active infections are under control, you can explore tooth replacement options. In these cases, bone grafting may help regenerate lost bone and improve your chances of a successful implant.

You have large sinuses

If you have large sinus cavities that extend down to where an upper implant might go, you may benefit from a sinus lift and a bone graft. 

What to expect during your bone graft

We typically perform bone grafting under local anesthesia and sometimes sedation. Once you're comfortable, Dr. Blaustein adds the graft material to the areas of weakened bone. 

Your procedure may vary depending on whether you need a sinus lift and whether the bone comes from your body (autograft) or another source (allograft).

You may feel mild discomfort for a few days, but most people return to normal activities quickly. Dr. Blaustein provides specific care instructions to help you heal properly. 

The graft can take around six months to fuse with your existing bone.

Have questions about bone grafting?

At Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, we guide you through every step of your care. If you need a bone graft, we explain your options, answer your questions, and personalize your treatment plan.

Call our office in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan or request your appointment online today.