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Oral surgery

Dental bone grafting in Saratoga Springs

Heard that your jaw is too thin to hold an implant? Grafting can build that area back up and widen your choices for replacing a lost tooth.

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What is a dental bone graft?

A bone graft adds material to a spot in your jaw where bone has worn away. Over time, your body grows new bone into it. This gives a future implant something firm to hold onto.

  • Often done before an implant
  • Healing usually takes a few months
  • The area is numbed for the procedure

Why bone goes missing

Your jawbone stays strong because tooth roots press on it every time you chew. When a tooth is gone, that bone slowly shrinks. Gum disease and old infections can wear it away too.

You may need a graft if:

  • You want an implant but the bone is too thin or short
  • A tooth has been missing for a long time
  • Gum disease caused bone loss around your teeth
  • An injury or infection damaged part of the jaw

Your dentist uses an exam and x-rays to measure the bone. Not everyone who wants an implant needs a graft, and some people need only a small one.

Step by step

  1. Planning. Your dentist reviews your x-rays and health history and explains how big the graft needs to be. Let us know about any medicines you take, since some may need to be paused.
  2. The procedure. Once you are numb, your dentist folds back a bit of gum, places the graft material and closes things up, often with stitches. Depending on your case, this may be done here or by a specialist we trust. Many grafts take under an hour or two.
  3. Healing. New bone fills in over roughly three months to a year. Smaller grafts tend to heal faster.
  4. Next step. Once the bone is solid, your dentist checks it again and plans your implant.

If you are having a tooth pulled, a graft can sometimes go in right away. This is called socket preservation.

Taking care of the graft

  • Hold a cold pack on your cheek on and off the first day
  • Eat soft foods for several days and chew away from the area
  • Keep the spot clean but do not brush right on the stitches at first
  • Take any medicine exactly as your dentist tells you
  • Skip smoking, which can slow or stop healing

Plan to have someone drive you home if you are given anything beyond local numbing. Call us if swelling gets worse after a few days or you see graft material coming out.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Questions about dental bone grafting

Where does the graft material come from?
There are a few kinds. Some come from donor or animal sources and some are man-made. Your dentist will explain which type fits your case and why.
Is a bone graft painful?
You are numb during the procedure, so you should feel pressure rather than pain. Expect some tenderness and puffiness for a little while after.
How do I get ready for my graft?
Tell your dentist about every medicine and supplement you take. Eat a light meal beforehand unless you are told not to. Arrange a ride if you will be given anything beyond local numbing.
How soon can I get an implant after a graft?
Usually once the bone has filled in, which can take several months. Your dentist will take new x-rays to confirm it is ready.

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Questions?

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Our Saratoga Springs team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.

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