Firstly, before we answer your question on why you possibly need a bone graft, let’s answer the more obvious question, what is a bone graft? Bone grafting is a procedure used to replace bone loss in the jaw. Dental bone grafts are made from hydroxyapatite, which is a naturally occurring mineral found in the components of organic bone. This material is most used now due to the osteoconduction, hardness, and acceptability of the original bone present. Bone Grafting usually takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months for full healing, and to fuse with existing bone. However, any discomfort from the procedure only takes a matter of weeks to dissolve. With medication, ice,

Reasons why you may need a bone graft

A missing tooth doesn’t seem like a big deal until it is. Even if the appearance of your smile hasn’t been affected, a missing tooth or multiple teeth can impact the quality of your jaw bone density and structural integrity. When you have missing teeth, the jawbone begins to reabsorb into the body, causing shrinkage. 

Dental Implants 

Dental implants are the most common reasons many individuals receive bone grafts. Bone grafting provides the patient with structural integrity of the jawbone prior to dental implant surgery. Once the supporting structure is restored, the pateinet can receive their dental implants. Living a happy, healthy, pain free life. 

Missing teeth or tooth

If you find that you are missing 1 or more teeth, a “socket graft” may be the answer to your problem. This procedure allows the Dentist to inset grafting material into the empty socket left by the missing or extracted teeth/tooth. 

Periodontal Disease 

Also known as gum disease, weaken the jawbone causing natural teeth that are present to shift, and loosen. Periodontal disease is usually caused by poor oral hygene habits. It’s extremely important to take care of this issue before not only are you missing teeth, but facing medical concerns as well. Such as, but not limited tol heart and lung disease. Those who leave their periodontal disease untreated for an extended amount of time, bone grafting may be deemed necessary in order for the bone to support an implant. 

Teeth Misalignment 

A fact not frequently known; misaligned teeth can cause bone loss as well. When teeth overlap, or are out of alignment completely, the stimulation needed for your bone will decrease gradually if the teeth are not fixed. There are of course many other methods for straightening teeth, however bone grafting could still be needed to ensure support for your teeth, once they are aligned. 

Types of Dental Bone Grafts 

There are 3 different types of dental bone grafting. 

• Block Bone Graft 

With this type of bone grafting, the Dentist will use bone from the back of your natural jawbone, near your wisdom teeth. This option is favorable if you have extensive bone bloss that needs to be fixed. 

• Socket Graft 

This form of grafting is usually performed at the time you get your tooth extracted. Socket Grafting prevents bone loss associated with tooth loss. With this, your body will not be able to reabsorb th ebone around where your missing tooth was. As well as prepping your mouth for dental implants in the future. 

• Sinus Lift

With this form of bone grafting, if you find that you have lost some of the molarss in your mouth (either upper or lower), often times the sinus wil lstart to travel downward. This will cause the gap left by the teeth to fill. With a sinus lift, your sinus’ are restored to normal, while the gap is repaired using bone grafting. 

Texas Sedation Dental and Implant Center can perform minor, or major procedures for patients in need. Our goal is to provide exceptional oral health, overall, for all. It’s recommended to schedule an appointment with your Dentist if you are experiencing any of concern. To learn more about bone grafting, or dental implants, contact us today at

(903) 704-0154.