When a tooth is lost, the jawbone that once supported it begins to shrink over time. In fact, the jaw can lose a significant portion of its width within the first year after tooth loss. This bone loss can lead to a sunken facial appearance, shifting teeth, and too little structure to support a dental implant.
A dental bone graft rebuilds the lost volume and density. At ProMax Implants & Oral Surgery, Dr. Amogh Velangi and Dr. Rozbeh Hossieni use bone grafting in Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ, to help patients regain the foundation needed for stable, long-lasting implants.
Years ago, patients with long-term tooth loss were often told they were not candidates for dental implants. Today, bone grafting changes that. By rebuilding the jaw, grafting allows many patients who once had insufficient bone to move forward with implant treatment.
During your consultation, our surgeons assess your jawbone health with diagnostic imaging and determine whether grafting would strengthen your foundation before implant placement. If it were, we would explain exactly what to expect and how it fits into your overall treatment plan.
This type uses bone taken from your own body, often from the jaw or chin. Because it is your own living tissue, it encourages strong, natural bone growth with no risk of rejection. The trade-off is that it requires a second site to harvest the bone, which is not ideal for every patient.
Allografts use carefully screened and sterilized donor bone. It is not living tissue; instead, it serves as a scaffold that your own bone grows into and gradually replaces over time.
Xenografts are derived from processed animal sources, most often bovine, and are processed to be safe and biologically compatible. Like allografts, they act as a framework that supports the regeneration of your own bone.
Often performed at the same time as a tooth extraction, socket preservation places graft material directly into the empty socket. This keeps the site from collapsing and preserves the bone needed for a future implant.
After teeth are lost, the bony ridge that held them can become thin or uneven. Ridge augmentation rebuilds sufficient width and height to securely support implants and can also improve the appearance of the area.
In the upper back jaw, the sinus cavities sit close to where the molars once were, often leaving too little bone for an implant. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus membrane and adds graft material beneath it, creating the space needed for stable implant placement.
Most grafting procedures are performed comfortably with local anesthesia. We also offer nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, and we recommend the right option based on your case and comfort.
After numbing the area, your surgeon makes a small incision in the gum to access the jawbone, cleans the site, and places the graft material where it is needed. A membrane is often used to secure the graft, and the gum is then closed with sutures.
The graft begins integrating with your natural bone in the first several weeks. Over the following months, it continues to strengthen, with full integration typically occurring around six months, though it can take longer for some patients.
When supported by a tooth or dental implant, a graft can last indefinitely. Good oral hygiene and regular checkups help keep it healthy.
Dental bone grafting has a strong track record, with success rates commonly reported above 90 percent. We will review any risks specific to your case before your procedure.
Mild swelling and soreness are normal and usually managed with over-the-counter medication. Stick to soft foods, avoid putting stress on the area, and attend your follow-up visits so we can confirm the graft is healing well.
