Do They Bone Graft for Teeth?
“Bone grafting.” It might sound like an intense ordeal, but grafting is actually a routine operation in modern dentistry. When a tooth goes missing, the jawbone beneath the gap in your gums no longer receives the pressure and torque from chewing it needs to stay strong. Following a dental extraction, or as a result of tooth loss for other reasons, that bone can shrink away, in a process called resorption. This can lead to the gradual loosening of adjacent teeth and even to changes in facial shape.
Bone grafting restores lost jaw mass, giving dentists a solid foundation for implants and preserving your jaw’s natural contour.
The Graft Procedure
Contrary to what you might imagine, the graft isn’t performed on your tooth—it’s applied directly to the jawbone. First, your dentist or oral surgeon numbs the area, then makes a small incision to expose the bone. Graft material is packed into the cavity, and the gum is sutured closed. Over time, the body replaces that material with fresh bone cells, integrating the graft into your own jaw.
Dentists can cull graft material from a surprisingly wide variety of sources:
- Autografts, where bone is harvested from elsewhere in your body—often the back of your jaw or, in cases of greater need, the hip. Because it’s your own tissue, it tends to integrate quickly.
- Allografts, which come from human donors. These are sterilized and screened before reaching your mouth, and they often speed up recovery since you avoid a second surgical site.
- Xenografts, derived from animal bone, provide a sturdy scaffold for new bone growth.
- Synthetic substitutes, made from biocompatible minerals, eliminate any risk of disease transmission.
Your dentist will recommend the best choice based on how much bone you need, your overall health, and whether you prefer to avoid extra harvesting surgery.
Recovery: What to Expect
For the first few days after the procedure, you might expect some swelling, bruising, and mild tenderness. Ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers usually keep discomfort in check. You’ll be advised to stick to soft foods, avoid the suction that comes with drinking from straws, and follow a regular oral hygiene routine.
While your gums may look healed in two weeks, the deeper process of bone integration takes three to six months (sometimes longer for large or complex grafts). Only when your jaw feels rock-solid will your dentist move forward with placing an implant.
The Payoff
A successful bone graft transforms a weakened jaw into a sturdy support system—crucial for long-term implant success. With a robust bone base, implants behave much like natural teeth: you can bite, chew, and smile without fear of shifting or failure. Plus, by preserving or restoring your jaw’s natural form, grafting helps keep your facial profile looking youthful.
Bone grafting might sound like an extreme measure, but it’s a proven, and often necessary, step on the road to a complete, confident smile. If your dentist recommends a graft, know that you’re one step closer to getting durable, lifelike dental implants and all the benefits they bring.