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Dental Bone Grafting in Garland, TX
A dental bone graft rebuilds jawbone that has shrunk or been lost, so a tooth can be replaced with an implant or the jaw stays strong after an extraction. At Care N Cure Dental in Garland, Dr. Faisal Rehman, D.M.D., has advanced training in guided bone regeneration and soft tissue grafting, so many grafting cases are handled in our office instead of being referred out.
Why the jawbone shrinks
The bone around a tooth is kept healthy by the pressure of chewing. When a tooth is pulled or lost, that part of the jaw slowly begins to shrink, with much of the change happening in the first months. Gum disease, infection, injury and years of wearing a denture can also wear bone away. Too little bone can make an implant unstable and can change the shape of your face over time.
Types of grafts we use
- Socket preservation: graft material is placed right after an extraction to help keep the socket from collapsing, which makes a future implant easier.
- Ridge augmentation and guided bone regeneration (GBR): bone is rebuilt along a thin or uneven jaw ridge, often covered with a protective membrane that guides new bone growth.
- Soft tissue grafting: gum tissue is added where gums have receded or are too thin around a tooth or implant.
What recovery looks like
The area is numbed for the procedure, and nitrous oxide or minimal sedation is available if you are nervous. Afterward, mild swelling and soreness for a few days are normal. Eat soft foods, avoid chewing on the graft and do not smoke, since smoking slows healing. The graft blends with your own bone over the next few months, and once it has healed the dentist confirms there is enough bone to place your dental implant.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bone graft for a dental implant?
Not always. Many patients have enough bone for an implant. A graft is recommended when X-rays or a scan show the jawbone is too thin or short to hold the implant securely.
How long does a dental bone graft take to heal?
Healing usually takes a few months before an implant can be placed, depending on the size of the graft and how your body heals. Small socket grafts at the time of an extraction often heal faster.
Is a bone graft painful?
The area is numbed during the procedure, so most patients feel pressure but not pain. Mild soreness and swelling for a few days afterward can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
Missing a tooth and told you do not have enough bone? Call (469) 298-3892 for an implant and bone graft consultation.