Bone loss in the jaws and around the teeth can be the result of missing teeth, periodontal disease, or trauma. This bone loss is more than a detriment to oral health and function; it can also alter facial appearance as the support for the natural contours of the face is diminished.
When a tooth is extracted, the natural stimulation to the underlying bone that is generated by the forces of biting or chewing is lost. In fact, bone width can be reduced by as much as 25% in the first year following tooth loss.
With grafting procedures, the dental bone can be restored to its original dimensions to maintain facial esthetics, repair the damage caused by periodontal disease as well as facilitate the success of procedures such as the placement of dental implants. A bone graft provides a platform or “scaffolding” for new bone growth and the material for a bone graft can be derived from the patient, other donor sources or be comprised of synthetic, bone-like materials.
There are several types of grafting procedures that can be performed with the particular approach depending upon the needs of the case.
A bone graft can be placed immediately upon the extraction of a tooth or some time after tooth loss. Placing a bone graft at the time of tooth removal reduces the amount of bone loss in the area to maintain the hard tissue support that is required for the future placement of a dental implant. When a bone graft is placed a while after tooth loss, a separate surgical procedure is required to reflect the soft tissue, expose the underlying bone, place a graft and then suture the soft tissue back into place.
For patients lacking a sufficient amount of bone for a dental implant to replace a maxillary back tooth (upper back tooth), a procedure known as a “sinus lift” may be performed. During this surgical procedure, the sinus membrane is lifted and bone graft material is added between the jaw and the floor of the sinus to provide the needed bone height to successfully support a dental implant.
In addition to bone grafting for purposes of ridge preservation or augmentation to allow for dental implants, an aesthetic ridge augmentation procedure to restore the natural contours of the bone is sometimes performed in preparation for fixed bridgework to achieve a more cosmetically pleasing result.
To guide tissue regeneration as well as protect the graft and promote healing, special membranes and biologically active materials may be placed over the grafting material.
A bone graft is a surgical procedure that places material into an area of jawbone loss to encourage new bone formation and restore structural support. The graft acts as a scaffold that native bone cells can grow into, helping to rebuild width or height where bone has been resorbed. This restoration is important for chewing function, long-term dental health, and maintaining the natural contours of the face.
People commonly need bone grafts after tooth loss, periodontal disease, trauma, or when there is inadequate bone to support a dental implant. A graft can be used to preserve the ridge after extraction or to augment a deficient area before or during restorative treatment. Treatment planning usually involves clinical evaluation and imaging to determine the extent of bone loss and the appropriate grafting approach.
When a tooth is removed the stimulation provided by biting and chewing is lost, and the surrounding bone begins to remodel and resorb. Studies show that significant ridge width can be lost within the first year after extraction, which can compromise future restorative options and alter facial support. Placing a graft at the time of extraction helps reduce this resorption and preserves the dimensions needed for later treatment.
Immediate grafting at extraction produces a more predictable ridge for future implant placement or prosthetic work compared with allowing the site to heal without intervention. When a graft is delayed, a second surgical procedure is required to expose the bone and place graft material, which can lengthen treatment time. Your clinician will weigh the benefits of immediate preservation against clinical factors such as infection, tissue health, and overall treatment goals at Briter Dental.
Graft materials commonly include autografts (bone taken from the patient), allografts (processed human donor bone), xenografts (derived from animal sources), and alloplasts (synthetic bone-like materials). Each option has distinct biological properties: autografts are osteogenic and integrate well, while allografts and xenografts are osteoconductive scaffolds that support new bone growth. Synthetic materials can provide predictable volume and avoid donor-site morbidity, and are often used when small augmentations are needed or when patient preference favors non‑biologic options.
The choice of graft material depends on the defect size, location, patient medical history, and the clinician’s goals for healing and integration. In many cases, combinations of materials and biologically active adjuncts are used to optimize outcomes. Your surgeon will explain the advantages and trade-offs of each option and recommend a material based on evidence and the specifics of your case.
A sinus lift, also called a sinus augmentation, is a specific grafting procedure performed to increase bone height in the upper posterior jaw where the maxillary sinus is close to the alveolar ridge. The surgeon elevates the sinus membrane and places graft material between the jawbone and the sinus floor to create sufficient vertical bone for implant placement. This procedure is indicated when routine implant placement would encroach on the sinus or when there is inadequate bone height due to long-term tooth loss or anatomic variation.
Sinus lifts are planned using diagnostic imaging to measure the available bone and assess sinus anatomy, and they can be performed as a staged procedure or simultaneously with implant placement depending on the remaining bone height. Healing timelines vary, and the clinician monitors integration with follow-up imaging before proceeding with implant placement. Meticulous technique and careful handling of the sinus membrane help minimize complications and improve graft success.
Bone grafting can be performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation depending on the complexity of the case and patient comfort needs. For immediate grafts the tooth extraction and graft placement occur during the same visit; for delayed grafts the surgeon reflects the soft tissue to expose the defect, places the graft material, and secures it before closing the tissues. In many cases, protective membranes or biologically active materials are placed over the graft to guide tissue regeneration and stabilize the graft during healing.
Procedures typically take from less than an hour for small ridge preservation grafts to longer for larger augmentations or sinus lifts, and you will receive detailed post-operative instructions to support healing. Pain control, infection prevention, and activity limitations are discussed beforehand to set expectations. Follow-up visits allow the team to evaluate healing and plan any subsequent restorative steps such as implant placement.
After a bone graft most patients experience normal post-operative symptoms such as swelling, mild to moderate discomfort, and some bruising that peak in the first 48 to 72 hours. The surgeon will recommend pain control measures, cold compresses initially, and specific oral hygiene instructions to protect the surgical site while supporting healing. Avoiding smoking, strenuous activity, and actions that increase sinus pressure helps reduce the risk of complications and supports graft integration.
Diet is typically soft for several days, and you will return for follow-up appointments so the clinician can monitor tissue healing and, if used, remove sutures according to the chosen technique. If any signs of infection, persistent bleeding, or unexpected pain occur, contact the office promptly for evaluation. Adhering to post-operative directions and attending scheduled visits are important for the best possible outcome.
Healing times vary with the type and size of the graft, the graft material used, and the location in the jaw, but a common range for graft maturation before implant placement is three to six months. Smaller ridge preservation grafts often integrate more quickly, while larger augmentations and sinus lifts may require longer healing periods to achieve sufficient bone quality. Clinicians use clinical evaluation and imaging to confirm that the graft has consolidated and can support an implant.
In some cases, implants can be placed simultaneously with grafting if primary stability is achievable and the remaining bone is adequate. In other situations a staged approach is safer and more predictable, allowing the graft to mature completely before implant surgery. Your dental team will recommend the timing that balances predictability, biology, and your overall treatment plan.
As with any surgical procedure, bone grafting carries risks that may include infection, graft exposure or failure, bleeding, and delayed healing; specific procedures such as sinus lifts also carry the risk of sinus membrane perforation. Smoking, uncontrolled systemic conditions, and poor oral hygiene can increase the likelihood of complications or compromise graft integration. Careful patient selection, sterile technique, and thorough preoperative assessment help reduce these risks.
When complications occur they are usually manageable with prompt care such as antibiotics, local wound management, or revision procedures if necessary. Your surgeon will discuss potential risks during the consultation and explain how medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors can influence outcomes. Open communication and adherence to post-operative instructions are key to minimizing problems and promoting successful healing.
Bone provides foundational support for the overlying soft tissues and lips, so loss of bone can lead to flattening of facial contours, changes in lip support, and a prematurely aged appearance in the affected area. Ridge augmentation restores lost bone volume and contour, which improves the support for gum tissue and prosthetic restorations and contributes to a more natural, balanced facial profile. These aesthetic benefits are often important when planning crowns, bridges, or implant-supported restorations in the visible smile zone.
An aesthetic ridge augmentation focuses not only on creating adequate bone for function but also on sculpting a pleasing contour that harmonizes with adjacent teeth and soft tissue. The procedure may be combined with soft tissue management to optimize the final cosmetic outcome, and the treatment plan is tailored to the patient's anatomic needs and aesthetic goals. Discussing expectations and visual goals with your clinician helps achieve a result that is both functional and attractive.
The best way to determine if a bone graft is appropriate is to schedule a consultation that includes a thorough clinical exam and diagnostic imaging such as panoramic or cone beam CT scans to assess bone volume and anatomy. During the visit the surgical or restorative team will review your dental history, overall health, and treatment goals to develop a personalized plan that outlines recommended procedures and timelines. This comprehensive evaluation helps identify whether immediate preservation, staged augmentation, or alternative approaches are most suitable for your case.
At a consultation you can also discuss graft material options, potential risks, and the sequence of restorative steps that follow grafting, including implant placement if that is your goal. The team will explain follow-up care, expected healing times, and signs to watch for during recovery so you have a clear understanding of the process. If you are located in Katy, Texas, our staff can arrange an appointment and provide any additional information needed to prepare for the evaluation.