What Is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a procedure that helps restore or rebuild bone in areas where it has weakened or deteriorated, often in preparation for dental implants or other oral surgeries. At Southwest Center for Oral Surgery, Dr. Eric Lewis performs bone grafting to strengthen the jaw and create a solid foundation for future dental work. This process involves placing bone material — either from the patient, a donor, or synthetic sources — into the affected area to encourage natural bone regeneration. Over time, the new bone integrates with the existing structure, improving oral health and ensuring long-term success for treatments like implants. To learn more about bone grafting and how it may help your oral health, contact our office in McComb, MS.
How Is Bone Grafting Performed?
Dr. Lewis performs bone grafting by making a small incision in the gum tissue to access the area where the bone has weakened or deteriorated. He then places bone graft material into the site to stimulate new bone growth. This material serves as a framework for the body to rebuild lost bone, creating a stronger foundation for dental implants or other procedures. Depending on the patient's needs, the bone graft may come from different sources, including:
- Autograft: Bone taken from the patient’s own body, usually from the jaw, hip, or tibia
- Allograft: Donor bone sourced from a tissue bank
- Xenograft: Bone material from an animal source, typically bovine (cow)
- Alloplast: A synthetic bone substitute made from biocompatible materials
Once the graft is placed, Dr. Lewis may use a protective membrane to aid healing before closing the incision with sutures. The procedure typically takes 45 – 60 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the graft. Over the next several months, the body naturally integrates the graft, strengthening the jawbone for future treatments. Full healing can take anywhere from 3 – 6 months, though this varies based on the patient's overall health and the extent of the grafting needed. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or sedation to ensure patient comfort, with recovery varying based on the extent of the graft and the patient's healing process.
What Are the Benefits of Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting allows for a variety of advantages for patients who deal with deterioration of bone in the jaw. The following are some primary benefits:
- Helps offer a more appealing, natural-looking facial appearance
- Reduces additional bone loss and decay
- Can maintain the face structure and avoid a recessed appearance
- Gives a stable base for tooth restorations, including crowns and dentures
- Allows for a steady base for dental implants
- Prompts improvement of overall dental health
- May help lessen further injury to the teeth and jaw
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Bone Grafting FAQs
What is the success rate of bone grafting oral surgery?
Dental bone grafting has a high rate of success in appropriately selected patients, but there is no single percentage that applies to every procedure. Outcomes can be influenced by the location and extent of the graft, type of grafting material, blood supply, oral health, smoking or nicotine use, underlying medical conditions, and how closely postoperative instructions are followed. Our team can evaluate these factors and discuss the expected prognosis for your particular bone graft.
Will I ever be able to eat normally again after a bone graft?
Most patients can return to their normal diet after a dental bone graft has healed sufficiently. Softer foods are generally recommended during the early recovery period to avoid irritating or placing excessive pressure on the surgical site, with firmer foods gradually reintroduced as healing progresses. Our team will provide specific dietary instructions and let you know when it is appropriate to resume your usual eating habits based on the location and extent of your graft.
Is it worth it to have bone grafting oral surgery at 70?
Bone grafting can be worthwhile at age 70 when it supports an important treatment goal, such as creating adequate bone for dental implant placement, and the patient is healthy enough for surgery and healing. Chronological age alone does not determine candidacy; bone quality, oral health, medical conditions, medications, healing capacity, and the planned procedure are generally more meaningful considerations. Our team can evaluate your individual health and goals to determine whether the potential benefits of bone grafting make treatment worthwhile for you.
Strengthen Your Smile with Bone Grafting
If you're considering dental implants or other oral treatments but are concerned about weak or insufficient jawbone, bone grafting may be the solution you need. At Southwest Center for Oral Surgery, Dr. Eric Lewis offers bone grafting procedures to restore and strengthen your jaw, creating a solid foundation for your dental work. Don't let bone loss hold you back from achieving the smile you deserve. Contact us in McComb, MS today to schedule your consultation and learn how bone grafting can improve your oral health and enhance your smile!