If you want to replace one or more missing teeth with dental implants, you may need bone grafting. Because implants are inserted directly into the jaw, there must be sufficient bone surrounding the dental implant (a titanium root) for the implant to fuse properly. If the jawbone isn’t strong enough to support an implant, bone grafting can help. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this minor surgical procedure.

4 FAQs About Bone Grafting

How Does It Work?

Depending on the type of defect, the surgeon will place bone grafting materials to reconstruct the jaw bone to house the implant.  Only the patient’s own bone contains bone growing cells which stimulate bone growth.  Other donor materials have no living cells and simply act as a scaffold for bone forming cells from the patient’s body to grow through.  Once placed, the material is resorbed and replaced by the bodies viable bone.  Depending on the donor material, in 3 to 6 months, there should be sufficient bone to house and support a dental implant.

What’s the Recovery Process Like?

Since the procedure is minimally invasive, recovery is comparable to having a tooth removed for most patients. For example, in most cases you can resume most normal activities with in 2 to 3 days; however, complete healing and consolidation of the graft can take 3 to 6 months. Once the bone regenerates, you can place the implant.  In some cases a bone graft maybe indicated concurrently with implant placement.

Does It Hurt?

You’ll receive local anesthesia before the procedure so that the treatment is painless. Once the anesthesia wears off, some soreness and mild discomfort are common. For most patients, taking over-the-counter medication or a mild prescription analgesic is adequate pain management.  Applying ice packs to the area may provide some additional relief.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of the procedure depends on the defect which needs correcting.  The existing condition of the patient’s jaw will dictate the material(s) needed for the graft to be successful. In rare cases your dental insurance may cover the cost of the procedure if it’s deemed medically necessary.  Your insurance may cover a portion of the implant.

To see if you’re a good candidate for bone grafting and dental implants, turn to Lyle C. Yanagihara, DDS, MS. Practicing out of Honolulu, HI, this friendly oral surgeon was born and raised in Wahiawa and has decades of industry experience. With a commitment to providing the most advanced and least invasive care possible, he performs a variety of procedures, including tooth extraction and cleft palate treatment. Call (808) 973-1433 to schedule a consultation, or visit his website to learn more about your first visit to the office.