What Is a Dental Bone Graft?
December 9, 2022

A study of nearly 800 people showed that those who received dental implants in 2016 also needed dental bone grafts. What is a dental bone graft? And should you consider one? 


If your dentist has mentioned that a dental bone graft might be needed, it's important to understand the different types of procedures and what they entail. Keep reading, and we will cover everything you need to know about dental bone grafts, from the different types of grafts to the risks and benefits.


What Is a Dental Bone Graft?

A dental bone graft is a procedure in which bone is transplanted from one area of the body to the jaw in order to improve the strength and stability of the jawbone. The graft may be used to build up the jawbone in order to support dental implants or to correct a defect in the jawbone.


Types of Dental Bone Grafts

There are several types of dental bone grafts. The type of graft used will depend on the needs of the patient. 

  1. Autograft
  2. Allograft
  3. Xenograft
  4. Alloplasts


An autograft involves taking bone from another area of the patient's body, such as the hip or jaw, and transplanting it to the jaw. Allografts involve using bone from a donor. The bone may come from a cadaver or from a living donor who has had surgery to remove bone from their body.


A xenograft uses bone from another species, such as a cow or pig. Alloplasts are artificial bone substitutes.


Why Do People Get Dental Bone Grafts?

This procedure is often performed on patients who have lost teeth due to periodontal disease or injury. There are several reasons someone might choose to have a dental bone graft. 


Support Dental Implants

Dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth, but in order for them to be successful, there must be enough bone to support them. Without sufficient bone, the implant will not be able to fuse properly to the jawbone and will eventually fail. A bone graft can provide the necessary support for dental implants.


Prevent Teeth from Shifting

When teeth are lost, the remaining teeth can begin to shift out of place. This can cause problems with eating and speaking and can also lead to further tooth loss. A bone graft can help prevent this by preserving the structure of the jawbone.


Fill in Gaps in the Jawbone

When bones are lost due to injury or disease, it can leave behind gaps in the jawbone. This can make the jawbone weaker and more susceptible to fracture. A bone graft can help fill in these gaps and make the jawbone stronger.


How Is a Dental Bone Graft Performed?

A dental bone graft is a surgical procedure whereby healthy bone tissue is transplanted to the jaw in order to provide support for dental implants. The procedure is typically performed by an oral surgeon or periodontist and usually takes place in an outpatient setting.


In order to prepare for the procedure, the patient will be given local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon will make an incision in the gums in order to access the underlying bone. 


A small piece of bone will then be taken from another part of the body (usually the hip) and transplanted into the jaw. The incisions will be closed with sutures, and a dressing may be placed over the graft site.


The recovery process following a dental bone graft can take several months. During this time, it is important to avoid putting any undue stress on the graft site by eating soft foods and refraining from smoking.


With proper care and healing, however, most patients are able to enjoy successful results from their dental bone grafts.


What Are the Risks of a Dental Bone Graft?

When considering a dental bone graft, it is important to be aware of the risks involved. These risks are very similar to the risks of other types of procedures and can include the following:

  • Infection at the graft site
  • Bleeding or bruising
  • Pain and swelling
  • Numbness or tingling in the grafted area
  • Difficulty swallowing or speaking
  • Allergic reaction to the materials used in the graft


It is also important to note that there is a small risk of the body rejecting the bone graft material. This typically only occurs when the body is unable to assimilate the graft material properly. In most cases, this can get remedied with medication or by modifying the type of bone graft material used.


What Are the Benefits of a Dental Bone Graft?

The purpose of a dental bone graft is to improve the strength and stability of the jawbone, which can improve the chances of successful dental implants. This is a huge benefit alone; however, there are some other benefits. 


Some of these include:

  • Improved appearance of teeth and gums
  • Enhanced chewing function
  • Diminished risk of future tooth loss


How to Prepare for a Dental Bone Graft

If you are considering a dental bone graft, here are a few things you can do to prepare for the surgery:

  1. Talk to your dentist about any concerns you have and what you can expect during and after the surgery
  2. Quit smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery, as this increases the risk of complications
  3. Eat a healthy diet and take vitamins C and D supplements to promote healing
  4. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery
  5. Follow all pre-operative instructions from your dentist or surgeon 


Choose the Best for Your Dental Health

A dental bone graft is a procedure used to replace or rebuild lost bone in the jaw. This can get done for a variety of reasons, such as to prepare the jaw for dental implants or to correct a deformity.


The procedure is usually safe and effective, but as with any surgery, there are some risks involved. If you're considering a dental bone graft, be sure to talk to your dentist about all the potential risks and benefits before making a decision.


Are you looking for an oral surgeon in Lutz, FL? Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery is here to help you get the dental care you need. Request an appointment today to learn more about bone graft options.

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A recent study by Rojas et al. (2025) found that individuals who received implants as part of their treatment reported significantly improved comfort and quality of life compared to those who used dentures, highlighting the inherent benefits of implants. However, implants are no longer limited to single-tooth installations, as you can now receive an All-on-4 implant, which replaces an entire arch of teeth. With both dental implant options available, which one is best for your needs? Let us help you make that decision. Below, you will find information on single implants vs arch reconstruction, including: Types of implants offered by TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery The benefits of each option How the dentist determines suitability Step-by-step walkthrough of the procedure Healing timelines Learn what each requires, as well as its costs. Our expert guidance can help you decide which dental implant option is best for you when you come for a consultation with us. Dental Implant Options Offered by TERSA There are several different types of dental implants that TERSA offers to our clients, all of which provide different benefits, including: Treating traumatic dental injuries Offering All-on-4 full-arch implants Using guided surgery with computerized scans Individual dental implants Single-tooth implants are ideal for individuals who have only a single missing tooth, provided all adjacent natural teeth are still healthy. This means that we can focus purely on the single area and also try to recreate the bone's interaction with its previous tooth as much as possible. Through mimicking the root with the implant itself, you also preserve the jaw's density . These need minimal preparation compared to many other processes. However, if you have more than one or two teeth that need replacement in this way, it may be wise to explore alternatives . Why the Dentist Needs to Assess Suitability Dr. Guerra has gained a great deal of knowledge over his 15 years of education , as he discussed with Laker/Lutz News, which he applies to every patient, ensuring that you receive the highest-quality care possible. For example, he will start by imaging the area where the implant will be placed, as well as assessing local nerves and sinus cavities to ensure that the implant will not interfere with them. By reviewing your medical history, he can also discuss various risk factors with you that may impact bone healing, such as diabetes or a history of smoking, helping you avoid complications . The doctor also has a keen understanding of the mechanics of an implant. He will want to ensure that your implant can withstand functional forces, such as chewing, without overloading the surrounding tooth and jaw. This means he has the experience to discuss the issue with you in great detail . Preparing Yourself for Surgery After consultation, and if you choose to go under IV-sedation, be aware that your surgery will require you to not eat for around six hours before the surgery, and not drink anything for two hours before. If the dentist has any specific other requirements or recommends a different amount of time, he will inform you. The dentist may also request that you take other steps , such as: Using a mouth rinse beforehand to reduce mouth bacteria Scheduling your work so that you only have light duties for up to 72 hours after the surgery Arranging a driver to take you home or ensure you can travel for a day after surgery Ensure you have already collected any necessary medication Step-By-Step Dental Implant Procedure During the surgery, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure that the area is numb and unable to feel the effects of the surgery. However, they may also offer you sedation to ensure your comfort . After you are appropriately prepared, they will make a careful incision to expose an area of your gums and jawbone, then carefully create a space in which to insert a small titanium implant . After the implant is in place, they will suture the space closed, allowing the gum to heal and the jaw to start accepting the titanium post. Once the surgery is completed, you will need to wait up to three or four months for your jaw to adapt to the existence of the post. It will undergo a period of "osseointegration", in which your body will start building natural structures around it and your bone fuses with it, preventing the implant from moving. Healing Timeline for Working Floridians While every individual is different, you should expect the timeline to look something like this: Day 1: Apply an ice pack to your jaw after surgery, and expect mild swelling. You may also experience discomfort, so be sure to have painkillers available. Avoid solid food if possible, and be cautious if not. End of week 1: At this point, you can switch to softer foods, such as yogurts and smoothies, or you can try to chew foods carefully, so long as you keep them on the non-surgery side of your mouth. End of month 1: Attend a check-up for your implant so that the dentist can ensure your body is accepting it. End of month 3: You should return to the dentist for the installation of a custom crown around this time. They will ensure that the shape and color of the implant matches the rest of your mouth, which ensures that the implant is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. The process may take more than one appointment, as the dentist must scan your gums and jaw following the surgery to ensure they get the shape of the crown correct. The dentist may request another check-up after one year, to ensure that everything is as it should be. Key Benefits of Dental Implants Dental implants are an excellent option for individuals concerned about their jawbone starting to lose volume. The additional load placed on the area due to eating and other activities will prevent atrophy, which is usually seen with missing teeth. An implant also acts just as your previous tooth did, ensuring that you can continue to chew with complete efficiency. It is also very common for them to survive for a significant period, with many lasting beyond the 25-year mark and into the remainder of someone's life. All-on-4 at TERSA One could think of the "All-on-4" as a "Denture implant". It is designed for patients with several failing or missing teeth, who would otherwise order a set of dentures but are worried about the upkeep and appearance of removable dental arches. Unlike a single implant, the All-on-4 system uses four angled implants that securely hold a large denture in place. These implants can even be used to hold a temporary denture between implant installation and the creation of the final arch. This way, you can have the benefits from day one that you would not have with a single-tooth implant. It also significantly reduces the cost of having a full row of single implants due to the reduced number of installations. Surgery Preparation Steps The preparation for an All-on-4 denture is similar to that of a single denture, except that it is more involved due to the dentist needing to check more areas in the mouth. However, they are also likely to check things that you would usually expect when doing a consultation for traditional dentures, like: Gum contouring Tooth proportions Full-mouth bite Residual root existence They will then create a custom-printed denture frame, using it to test your mouth's shape so that they can have a full denture immediately for surgery day. Additional Steps For All-On-4 Surgery Although the majority of the surgery is similar to four individual implants as described above, there are distinct differences: The dentist may remove other teeth to make way for the denture All implants will sit at different angles for more stability Postoperative scans will verify the alignment of the implants Advantages of All-On-4 Surgery As opposed to getting all of your teeth replaced, an All-on-4 implant will require you to have only four implants on which the denture sits. Fewer incisions and a reduced time taken mean that you can get a greater benefit more easily. The complete denture will also look perfectly natural, sitting comfortably in your mouth and secured by four posts that are angled to prevent slipping and reduce stress on each one. This option is ideal for individuals with slightly lower bone density who are still eligible for surgery. If you need a future upgrade throughout your life , such as a change in the material, you can also follow through with implant changes without as much hassle. The removal of old materials and replacement with new ones takes significantly less time, providing you with more options. Choosing Single-Tooth or All-on-4 Implants Whether you want to make use of a full arch or a single new tooth, Dr. Andrés Guerra of TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery is ready to bring his expertise to bear. In a procedure that demands precision, empathy, and in-depth knowledge, he will do everything necessary to ensure your comfort and confidence in the process.  We are ready to discuss your dental implant options and schedule a consultation for you . Reclaim your smile and ensure you are happy with the person you see in the mirror today.