A bone graft is a specialized oral surgery procedure that can restore and strengthen your jawbone when it lacks the density or volume needed to support future dental treatments. Whether you have experienced bone loss due to periodontal disease, tooth extraction or trauma, a bone graft can help rebuild the affected area and lay a solid foundation for dental implants or other restorative solutions. This treatment involves placing natural or synthetic bone material into the jaw, encouraging your body to regenerate bone tissue and heal the weakened structure.
Why You Might Need a Bone Graft
One of the most common reasons for bone grafting in Bend, OR, is to prepare your jaw for a dental implant. When a tooth is missing, the bone surrounding the empty socket gradually begins to deteriorate. Without stimulation from the tooth root, the jawbone resorbs and becomes thinner over time. This shrinkage can make it impossible to place a secure implant without first restoring the bone volume.
Bone grafting is also essential in cases of advanced gum disease. Periodontal infections can cause significant damage to the bone around your teeth, threatening their stability. A bone graft in these situations can help regenerate lost tissue and improve your oral health.
Depending on your needs, we may use bone harvested from another part of your own body, donor bone from a tissue bank, or synthetic grafting materials. All options are carefully selected to ensure compatibility and optimal healing. The new material integrates with your jaw over time, reinforcing the structure and enabling you to move forward with confidence in your dental care plan.
Types of Bone Grafting Procedures
Several types of bone grafting procedures are available, and our dentists will recommend the one that best suits your individual case. Socket preservation is performed immediately after a tooth extraction to prevent bone loss at the site. Ridge augmentation restores the natural shape of the jaw and gums when bone has been lost. Sinus lifts are another form of grafting used when the upper jaw lacks height or is too close to the sinus cavity to place implants.
Each procedure involves precise planning, often using advanced imaging to determine the extent of bone loss and guide the placement of the graft material. While healing time varies, most patients recover within several months and are then ready for the next phase of treatment.
To learn whether bone grafting in Bend, OR, is right for you, contact Dental Artistry Implants, Crowns and Veneers to schedule a consultation with Dr. Alexander Smith or Dr. Thomas Spoonster. We are here to restore your oral health and provide a strong foundation for a lifetime of confident smiles.