March 13, 2021

What You Need To Know About A Dental Bone Graft

Dental bone grafts are one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world. Thanks to advancements in dental technologies, the dental bone graft procedure is mandatory for long-term results. Read further if you want to know everything you need to know about bone grafting for dental implant.

What happens in a dental bone graft procedure?

To understand what bone grafting is all about, knowing the procedure will help. Our gums are always changing and with time, the extracted teeth cause the gum to shrink. Weaker gums are not able to hold the dental implant without reinforcement.

This is where bone grafting comes in.

A bone graft is performed by acquiring bone from another part of the body. With that the bone will be developed for the bone grafting procedure. This is an important step in patients whose gums and jaws are weaker. The dental professional will assess the process and whether the candidate is suitable to have this done.

The dentist will sedate the patient in some cases, but a local anesthesia is often used before the procedure. Incisions are made into the gums at the sections that will receive the implant. After the implant is fit into place, tissue from the gum is used to cover the bones.

Lastly, stitches are made to help the gum heal faster.

Are there risks for bone graft surgery?


Any operation has risks, even in dentistry. Before you go ahead with the procedure, try to do as much research as you can for everything you need to know about bone grafting for dental implants.
Some potential risks include but are not limited to the following:

  • Nerve damage 
  • Pain
  • Swelling 
  • Reabsorption of the graft 
  • Inflammation

Yes, and complications are real too. But for the most part this is a regular part of cosmetic dentistry and the procedure can help improve your smile.

Why would you need a dental bone graft?

In your research for everything you need to know about bone grafting for dental implant surgery, you could also need the procedure if: 

  •  You have a gum disease (periodontitis)
  • Trauma to the face 
  • Defects during development 

Where do the bones come from?

Bones are harvested from human donors. Some dental bone graft surgery is taken from the patient’s jaw.

Types of dental bone grafts

Socket bone graft

The bone replacement is placed inside the socket, and it will help stabilize and reduce the chance of collapse. Socket bone grafts heal after 4 to 6 months. Everyone heals differently.

Lateral ridge preservation graft

The lateral ridge helps to widen the jaw if it is too narrow for the dental implant. 4 to 6 months to heal.

Block bone graft

Sometimes the jaw has defects that make it impossible to perform a dental implant. But with the block bone graft makes the process possible. Healing time is estimated at 4 to 6 months.

Are there alternatives to bone graft surgery to replace teeth?

Yes. There are many alternatives to choose from when it comes to completing your smile. These may also be less expensive than the regular dental implants.

A root canal

The less expensive option for replacing teeth would be endodontics (root canal.) There is a long process before the tooth is restored, and it may take up to 2 visits to the dentist. Your dentist will determine whether you’re an ideal candidate for this.

Same day dental surgery

This dental procedure takes care of all dental work in a single day. Because of the convenience of this dentistry, the process is often expensive. In same day dental surgery, the implant is inserted into the jaw bone, but a temporary crown is added for the during the healing process.

Mini implants

Unlike regular dental implants, mini implants or MDIs are inserted into the jaw bone using smaller implants of 3mm. Traditional implants are 6mm thick. The mini implants are for patients that want to permanently fix their dentures to their mouth as this will hold it in place.

If you’re looking for a better way to secure your teeth without having to rely on root canals or crowns, then this might be for you.

Getting prepared preparing for your dental procedure helps make the concept of the process easier.

What not to do? 

  • Don’t use strong mouth washes (the dentist will advise)
  • Avoid using straws 
  • Don’t rinse your mouth too harshly