How long does it take for a bone graft to heal?

The healing process for a bone graft can take several months, as the new bone tissue needs time to fully integrate with your existing jawbone. The exact timeline will depend on factors like the extent of the procedure, the type of graft material used, and how well you follow the post-operative instructions.

Is bone grafting painful?

Pain during treatment is mitigated with local anesthesia, and additional sedation methods are available to prevent additional discomfort. Most patients experience only mild discomfort after a bone grafting procedure, which can be effectively managed with pain medication and other strategies recommended by your oral surgeon.

Can anyone get a bone graft?

No, not everyone is a suitable candidate for bone grafting. Your oral surgeon will carefully evaluate your oral health, medical history, and individual needs to determine if this procedure is right for you. Factors like overall health, bone density, and the cause of your bone loss will all be considered.

Is bone grafting covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage for bone grafting can vary depending on your individual policy and the reason for the procedure. Check with your insurance provider and your dentist to see what payment options are available for you.

Bone Grafting in Seattle, WA

Prepare for Dental Implants with Bone Grafting

At Maring & Johnson Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center in downtown Seattle, our team of oral surgeons is dedicated to providing comprehensive care that goes beyond the surface. We understand that a strong, healthy jawbone is the foundation for optimal oral health, a youthful appearance, and the long-term success of dental implants.

If you’re experiencing jawbone loss due to tooth extractions, periodontal disease, or other factors, our experienced oral surgeons and periodontist can help restore your bone structure and density through state-of-the-art bone grafting procedures. With our collaborative approach and dual-trained doctors, we’re uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional results and transform your oral health.

Call our Seattle oral surgeon at 206-343-7500 to schedule your consultation for bone grafting treatment.

What Is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting bone tissue to the jawbone to rebuild its structure and density. This can be done using the patient’s own bone, donor bone, or synthetic bone substitutes. By replenishing the jawbone, we can:

Improve the stability and health of existing teeth
Provide a strong foundation for dental implants
Enhance the appearance of the face by supporting facial muscles
Prevent further bone loss and the complications that can arise from it

Types of Bone Grafts

Autogenous Grafts

Autogenous bone grafts, also known as autografts, are made from your own bone and taken from somewhere else in the body. The bone is typically harvested from the chin, jaw, lower leg bone, hip, or skull. Autogenous bone grafts are advantageous in that the graft material is live bone, meaning it contains living cellular elements that enhance bone growth.

Allogenic Grafts

Allogenic bone, or allograft, is dead bone harvested from a cadaver that is then processed. Unlike autogenous bone, allogenic bone cannot produce new bone on its own. Rather, it serves as a framework or scaffold over which bone from the surrounding bony walls can grow to fill the defect or void.

Xenogenic Grafts

Xenogenic bone is derived from the non-living bone of another species, usually a cow. The bone is processed at very high temperatures to avoid the potential for immune rejection and contamination. Like allogenic grafts, xenogenic grafts serve as a framework for bone from the surrounding area to grow and fill the void.

Both allogenic and xenogenic bone grafting are advantageous in that they do not require a second procedure to harvest your own bone, as with autografts.

Synthetic Bone Grafts

As a substitute to using real bone, many synthetic materials are available as a safe and proven alternative, including:

Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM)/Demineralized Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft (DFDBA): This product is processed allograft bone, containing collagen, proteins, and growth factors that are extracted from the allograft bone. It is available in the form of powder, putty, chips, or a gel that can be injected through a syringe.
Graft Composites: Graft composites consist of other bone graft materials and growth factors to achieve the benefits of a variety of substances. Some combinations may include a collagen/ceramic composite, which closely resembles the composition of natural bone; DBM combined with bone marrow cells, which aids in the growth of new bone; or a collagen/ceramic/autograft composite.
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are proteins naturally produced in the body that promote and regulate bone formation and healing.

Synthetic materials also have the advantage of not requiring a second procedure to harvest bone, reducing risk and pain. Each bone grafting option has its own risks and benefits. Dr. Thomas Maring and Dr. Robert Johnson will determine which type of bone graft material is right for you.

The type of graft used will depend on your individual needs and preferences, as well as the specific areas of bone loss. Our oral surgeons will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Causes of Oral Bone Loss

There are several common reasons why patients may experience jawbone loss:

Tooth extraction or tooth loss: When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate.
Periodontal (gum) disease: This progressive infection can destroy the bone that supports the teeth.
Facial trauma: Injuries to the jaw can damage the underlying bone structure.
Congenital conditions: Some people are born with abnormalities that affect jaw development and bone density.
Tumors or cysts: Growths in the jaw can compromise the bone over time.

Benefits of Bone Grafting

By restoring lost bone volume and density through grafting, our patients enjoy a wide range of benefits:

Improved oral health and function
Enhanced facial aesthetics by supporting the lips and cheeks
Increased success rate for dental implants
Prevention of further bone loss and dental complications
Restored confidence in their smile and oral function

The Bone Grafting Process

Dental bone grafting is typically performed in multiple stages to ensure the best possible outcome. Here’s what you can expect:

Consultation: Our Seattle oral surgeons will evaluate your oral health and determine if bone grafting is the right treatment option for you.
Preparation: The treatment area is carefully prepared, and you’ll receive a local anesthetic and any necessary sedation.
Graft Placement: The bone graft material is meticulously placed in the areas of bone loss, and the site is secured with sutures.
Healing: You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to promote proper healing and integration of the new bone.

Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

If you’re considering dental implants, bone grafting is often a crucial first step. Implants require a strong, dense jawbone to be successfully placed and integrated. By rebuilding the bone structure, we can ensure your implants have the solid foundation they need for long-term stability and function.

Our team at Maring & Johnson Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center works closely with patients to assess their candidacy for dental implant surgery and determine if bone grafting is necessary. We’ll develop a comprehensive treatment plan to get you on the path to a beautiful, fully functional smile.

I have been a patient of Dr. Susan Maring’s for more than 20 years. I have a rare condition that requires as much as monthly cleanings. She does the work herself, even when insurance doesn’t cover the cost of a periodontist doing the work of a hygienist. When I have needed the help of a dentist, she knew just the right people. She demonstrates tremendous commitment to her patients. I am lucky to have her in my life.

— Susan C.

From the time I first called to make my appointment, walked in the office and met with Dr. Maring, I was treated professionally and respectfully.

— Theresa L.

I have complete confidence in Dr Maring; he is efficient, thorough in explaining things, & excellent at what he does. I am so thankful for him & his staff! for him & his staff.

— Lucille N.

Everyone in the office was helpful, skillful, and efficient. I was treated with compassion and professionalism. My questions and concerns got immediate responses. I was so impressed! In addition, I experienced minimal pain after my tooth extraction.

— Marianne C.

The treatment has been excellent and Dr Maring is thorough and thoughtful in his approach. I especially like the time he spent educating me on my condition and treatment options. Very kind and responsive office staff.

— Doug B.