Common Bone Grafting FAQs

What is Dental Bone Grafting?

A bone grafting procedure uses bone or bone-like material to replace missing bone in your jaw. This surgical technique is often necessary for dental patients who have bone loss due to gum disease, trauma, or long-term tooth loss.

How Does a Bone Graft Work?

Dental bone grafting involves placing bone graft material into the jaw area where the bone is deficient. Over time, your body will integrate this material and generate new bone cells, restoring the jaw’s structure and providing a stable foundation for dental implants.

Why Do I Need a Bone Graft?

Bone grafts are often required before dental implant surgery for patients who lack sufficient bone mass to support the implants. Dental implants cannot be securely anchored without a proper bone structure, leading to potential complications.

What Are the Types of Bone Grafts?

Ridge Preservation

Ridge preservation is a dental procedure aimed at preventing or minimizing the loss of bone that typically occurs after a tooth extraction. The process involves filling the empty tooth socket with a bone graft material to maintain the height and width of the ridge, which is the bone that supports the teeth.
By preserving the ridge, this treatment creates a stable foundation for future dental implants or other restorative procedures, ensuring better outcomes and a more natural appearance. Ridge preservation is essential for maintaining oral health and function following the loss of a tooth.

Ridge augmentation is a vital dental procedure designed to correct deformities in the jawbone, specifically the alveolar ridge—the part of the jaw that holds the teeth. These deformities can arise due to various factors, including tooth loss, trauma, or periodontal disease, which often result in inadequate bone for dental implant placement.

Ridge Augmentation

A ridge augmentation restores the original height and width of the alveolar ridge, creating a stable foundation necessary for successful dental implant placement. Implants cannot be securely anchored without sufficient bone, compromising their longevity and function.

Periodontal Bone Graft

A periodontal bone graft is a surgical procedure designed to restore bone lost due to periodontal disease. This intervention is crucial for maintaining the stability and health of the teeth, and it provides a solid foundation for future dental treatments. By following Dr. Sammy Noumbissi’s post-operative care instructions and attending all follow-up appointments, patients will significantly improve the success rate of the graft and enjoy a healthier smile.

Sinus Lift

A sinus lift, also called a sinus augmentation, is a specialized surgical procedure to increase the bone volume in the posterior maxilla or the back part of the upper jaw. For individuals needing dental implants but facing the challenge of insufficient bone due to factors such as periodontal disease, tooth loss, or natural bone resorption in the upper jaw, a sinus lift can be a game-changer. This procedure paves the way for secure and long-lasting dental implants, enhancing overall oral health and quality of life. If you’re considering dental implants and suspect you might need a sinus lift, consult our advanced-trained ceramic implant surgeon, Dr. Noumbissi, to discuss your options and develop a custom treatment plan.

How Long Will A Bone Graft Take to Heal?

Healing time for a bone graft varies depending on several factors, including the type of graft used and the individual patient’s health. Generally, it takes about 3-6 months for the bone to fully integrate and heal. During this period, it’s essential to follow your dental surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure optimal recovery.

Contact Mile Of Smiles Implant Dentistry Today!

Call our Miles Of Smiles Implant Dentistry team at (301) 588-0768 to schedule a personalized consultation with our implant surgeon, Dr. Sammy Noumbissi. Miles of Smiles Implant Dentistry treats patients for bone grafting / bone augmentation from Silver Spring, Columbia, Annapolis, Rockville, and Burtonsville, Kensington, Chevy Chase, Bethesda, MD and throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.