Dental Bone Graft

No, the procedure is performed under local anesthetic, so you won't feel pain during treatment. You may experience slight pressure. Most patients report minimal to no pain afterward, with slight tenderness for 1-2 days that's easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Typical healing time is 3-6 months for full integration. Initial gum healing occurs within 1-2 weeks. The graft material integrates with natural bone over weeks 3-6, with active bone regeneration continuing for 2-6 months. Complex cases may require up to 1 year for complete integration.

It depends on your jawbone volume and density. A CT scan is essential to determine if you have sufficient bone for implant placement. If 10-40% of bone width is missing, we can often place the graft and implant simultaneously. More extensive bone loss requires staged procedures (graft first, implant after healing).

We primarily use Bio-Oss (bovine bone mineral) combined with Bio-Gide collagen membranes. This combination has 30+ years of proven success and over 1,000 scientific publications documenting excellent outcomes. Non-animal synthetic alternatives are available on request.

Most people are good candidates, but certain factors affect success. Smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, and other health conditions can impact healing. The bone defect type also matters. During your consultation, we'll assess your specific risk factors and bone structure to determine the best approach for you.

Yes! Socket preservation bone grafts can be placed immediately after tooth extraction. This maintains bone volume and prevents the natural bone resorption that occurs when a tooth is removed. It's an excellent way to preserve your jawbone for future implant placement.

We monitor healing at regular follow-up appointments. Gum health can be assessed after 3 months. To confirm bone regrowth on x-rays, we typically wait 1 year for reliable results. The grafted area should feel stable, with no ongoing pain or complications. Most patients experience straightforward healing.

We use several techniques depending on your needs: Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) for general bone defects, sinus lifts for upper back teeth, ridge expansion for narrow bone, and socket preservation after extraction. During consultation, we'll recommend the best technique for your specific situation.

Most bone grafts are performed under local anesthetic with you awake and comfortable. For complex cases or anxious patients, we can arrange sedation or general anesthetic. We'll discuss your comfort options during consultation and recommend the best approach for your situation.

Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 3-5 days after surgery. Activities that increase blood pressure can disrupt healing and cause complications. Ease back into exercise gradually, starting with gentle activities like walking. Most patients can resume normal exercise within 1-2 weeks.