Bone grafting rebuilds areas of the jaw where bone has been lost. It’s most commonly needed before dental implant placement when there isn’t enough bone to anchor the implant securely.
Why bone loss happens
The jaw bone depends on tooth roots for stimulation. When teeth are lost — from extraction, injury, or gum disease — the bone in that area can shrink over time. Periodontal disease is a common cause. Even wearing dentures long-term can accelerate bone loss because the prosthetic rests on the gums rather than stimulating the bone beneath.
What bone grafting involves
We use 3D CT scanning to assess the extent of bone loss before recommending a graft. The procedure itself involves placing bone material — typically a processed donor or synthetic graft — at the site. Over a few months, your body integrates the graft and builds new bone.
Once the graft has healed, we can move forward with implant placement.
Types of grafts
- Socket preservation — placed immediately after extraction to prevent bone loss at the site
- Sinus lift — used for the upper jaw when the sinus cavity sits too close to the intended implant site
- Block graft — for larger areas of bone loss requiring more volume
The right approach depends on how much bone you have and where the implant will be placed. We’ll explain your options at your consultation.
Recovery
Most patients return to normal activity within a few days. Full integration takes several months. We’ll schedule follow-up imaging to confirm the graft has taken before proceeding with implants.
Book a consultation in Centennial Hills
Call Centennial Family Dentistry at (702) 385-7415 or request an appointment online. We serve patients throughout Centennial Hills, Summerlin, Lone Mountain, and Northwest Las Vegas.