Atlanta Bone Grafting

A healthy jawbone can make or break the success of a dental implant procedure. Bone grafting can make the difference.

What Is Bone Grafting?

Diagram of three phases of a dental implant, before, during, and after placement, for information on bone grafting from Oral Surgery Associates & Dental Implant Centers.

Bone grafting gives dental implants support


The bone grafting process rebuilds deteriorated bone. Donor bone is grafted in the jaw before dental implants are placed. The graft encourages the body to grow its own bone.

The Importance of Jaw Health

Tooth roots stimulate your jawbone and keep it healthy. Without teeth, the alveolar bone (part of the jaw that anchors teeth) dissolves, and the body uses the minerals from it elsewhere. Jawbone absorption progresses quickly when you lose a tooth. Other causes of bone loss include periodontal (gum) disease, trauma, tumors, and more.

Jawbone loss can cause other health issues, including:

  • Facial collapse, including sagging and wrinkling of the face
  • Poor nutrition
  • Problems with remaining teeth
  • Speech problems
  • TMJ pain

Treatment

Minor Bone Grafting

Most bone grating procedures are minor. Minor grafting is commonly used to build up bone in preparation for a dental implant.

Major Bone Grafting

If there is significant bone loss due to trauma, cysts, tumors, or a defect, major bone grafting might be required. Additional materials, technologies, and several specialists might be involved to complete the procedure.

Where does the new bone come from?

Common donor sites come from your own body, including:

  • Chin
  • Hip
  • Leg
  • Skull

Sometimes bone-grafting materials are sourced from bovine (cow) or human cadavers. In advance of your procedure, one of our doctors will explain the pros and cons of each source.

What’s the recovery period like?

You will be anesthetized during the procedure. As the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some soreness that usually can be managed with over-the-counter medication. Before your procedure, your doctor will talk with you about any necessary prescription medication.

After the procedure, there is a four- to six-month healing period, during which the bone grows enough to support dental implants.

Request a Consultation

Bone grafting is safe and reliable. Our board-certified specialists will ensure you’re a candidate for dental implants and that you have enough bone density to support them. Call us to request a consultation, or request an appointment online.