Bone Grafting

Bone grafting rebuilds jawbone that's been lost or damaged — often a necessary first step before placing a dental implant.

Why bone loss happens

• Periodontal disease, which gradually damages the bone that supports your teeth
• Tooth extraction — patients can lose 40–60% of the bone around an extraction site within just a few years if it isn't preserved
• Injury or infection

What grafting accomplishes

Bone grafting serves two purposes: rebuilding jawbone height and width so it can properly support an implant or correct a deformity, and preserving existing bone after an extraction, periodontal disease, or another procedure.

The process

We start with a thorough exam and imaging — panoramic X-rays and, if needed, a CT scan — to evaluate the bone. Depending on your situation, we may use bone from your own body, a donor source, or a safe synthetic alternative. During the procedure, we numb the area, place the graft material, and may cover it with a protective membrane to encourage healthy new bone growth. No hospital stay is required, and we'll send you home with guidance to manage any swelling or discomfort during recovery.

See our post-op care instructions for full recovery guidance after your procedure.

Content reviewed by Jamisen Kohlman, DMD — KoLa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Austin, TX.