Bone Grafts
Restore Your Oral Health With Dental Implants
Make Your Jawbone Stronger With Bone Grafts in Pasco
A bone graft is an oral surgery procedure that rebuilds jawbone volume lost after tooth extraction or long-term use of dentures. The procedure provides the strength that dental implants need to integrate and function successfully. Dr. Leavens will perform bone grafts in Pasco if they are necessary to make you a candidate for the procedure. You'll get one step closer to having the powerful bite that you've been missing.
Our team sees bone loss as a solvable problem. Dr. Leavens will assess your jaw using 3-D imaging before recommending any treatment. He'll measure the bone you have available and what needs to be restored before proceeding with your implant plan. There's no need to be nervous about the procedure. Oral sedation is available. We also offer comforting amenities including massaging chairs, warm blankets, and noise-canceling headphones.
Common Questions About Bone Grafts
Q What is a bone graft?
A bone graft is a surgical procedure that rebuilds jawbone volume lost to tooth extraction or long-term tooth loss. The procedure involves placing grafting material at the site of deterioration. It stimulates new bone growth and restores the structural foundation the jaw needs to support dental implants. At Dental West, Dr. Leavens examines your bone structure using 3-D imaging before recommending a graft.
Q Why do patients need a bone graft before getting dental implants?
Patients need a bone graft before getting dental implants when bone loss has made the jaw unable to support an implant. Implants require a minimum amount of bone depth and density to integrate successfully. When tooth loss has caused the jaw to deteriorate, a graft rebuilds it.
Q What causes jawbone loss after tooth extraction?
Jawbone loss after tooth extraction is caused by the absence of the stimulation that tooth roots normally provide. Every time you bite and chew, your roots transmit pressure into the jawbone. It signals it to maintain its density and regenerate. When a tooth is lost and the root disappears, that signal stops. The bone in that area begins to resorb. The process begins almost immediately after extraction and becomes more significant the longer teeth remain missing.
Q How long does it take for a bone graft to heal?
A bone graft typically takes several months to heal fully. The grafted material integrates with the existing jawbone over a period of four to nine months. The exact time depends on the extent of the graft and your individual healing. During this time, the bone develops the density and volume needed to support implant placement. Follow-up imaging confirms when healing is sufficient to proceed.
Q What material is used in a bone graft?
Bone graft material can come from several sources. It can come from your own body, a donor tissue bank, or synthetic bone substitute materials. Each source has its own advantages depending on the volume needed and the patient's individual situation. At Dental West, Dr. Leavens selects the most appropriate material for your specific case. He explains the reasoning during your consultation.
Q Is a bone graft painful?
A bone graft is not painful during the procedure. Local anesthesia is applied before surgery begins. It ensures you are completely comfortable throughout. Some soreness, swelling, and mild discomfort in the days following surgery are normal. You should find the recovery more manageable than you anticipated. Oral sedation is available if you feel anxious about the procedure.
Q Do dentures or bridges prevent bone loss the way implants do?
Dentures and bridges do not prevent bone loss the way implants do. Both replace the visible portion of missing teeth, but neither replaces the root. This means the jawbone beneath them continues to resorb over time without the stimulation roots provide. Patients with long-term dentures may notice changes in how their restoration fits as the underlying bone shifts. Dental implants are the only replacement option that replaces the root.
Q How much does a bone graft cost?
The cost of a bone graft varies depending on the extent of bone loss being addressed and the type of grafting material used. It also depends on whether the procedure is part of a broader implant treatment plan. You'll receive a complete cost breakdown during the implant consultation.
