Bone Grafting
Prepare For Life-Changing Implants
Protect Your Future Smile With Bone Grafts in Norfolk
A healthy jawbone provides essential support for your teeth and helps maintain the natural structure of your mouth. Unfortunately, bone can deteriorate after tooth loss, potentially limiting your options for dental implants. Bone grafts in Norfolk offer a way to address these changes and help create the support needed for future tooth replacement.
Rebuilding areas of diminished bone can make a meaningful difference in your long-term oral health. Whether you're preparing to replace a recently extracted tooth or considering implants after years of missing teeth, grafting may help improve the conditions necessary for stable, functional restorations. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons evaluate your needs and recommend treatment based on the extent of bone loss. Take the next step toward rebuilding your smile by scheduling a consultation.
Explore the Advantages of Bone Grafting
Bone loss affects everyone differently. Some people experience a small amount of deterioration around a missing tooth, while others have substantial changes in the height or width of the jaw. The type of grafting recommended depends on where additional bone is needed and how the area will eventually be restored.
During treatment, your surgeon places graft material into the deficient area to encourage the development of new bone. Over time, the material serves as a framework for natural bone growth. Some grafts can be completed alongside tooth extraction or implant placement. Other procedures may need to heal before the next stage of treatment.
Detailed imaging helps our surgeons assess bone dimensions and develop an appropriate surgical plan. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) may be used to support healing, while medications such as Exparel can help manage postoperative discomfort in some cases.
See how bone grafts in Norfolk can address different types of jawbone deficiencies and improve your readiness for dental implant treatment.
Maintain Extraction Sites
Socket preservation involves placing graft material into a recently emptied tooth socket to help reduce bone loss as the area heals.
Increase Available Bone
Grafting can improve bone height or width in areas where natural deterioration has left insufficient support for implant placement.
Prepare for Multiple Implants
Patients replacing numerous teeth may benefit from targeted grafting to strengthen areas that will support full-arch implant restorations.
Address Long-Term Tooth Loss
When teeth have been missing for years, grafting may help rebuild portions of the jaw affected by gradual bone resorption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafts
Q How does a dental bone graft work?
A dental bone graft places bone or bone-substitute material into an area with insufficient bone. The graft provides a supportive structure that encourages new bone to form as the surgical site heals.
Q Where do dental bone grafts come from?
A bone graft can come from a sterile human or animal donor or from your own body. Many dental bone grafts are done using synthetic material. No matter which material is used, it will encourage new bone growth in the area of your jaw that needs to be built up.
Q Does everyone getting dental implants need bone grafting?
Patients with adequate natural bone may receive dental implants without additional grafting. Bone grafting is considered when the existing jawbone cannot provide the necessary support for the planned implant.
Q Can jawbone grow back after bone grafting?
Bone grafting can encourage the body to develop new bone within the treated area. The amount of regeneration depends on the graft material, surgical technique, location, and individual healing response.
Q How long should I wait between a bone graft and dental implant placement?
The waiting period between a bone graft and dental implant placement varies with the size and type of graft. Some implants can be placed at the same time as grafting, while other cases require several months of healing before implant surgery.
Q What should I avoid after dental bone grafting?
After dental bone grafting, you'll want to avoid smoking, vigorous rinsing, disturbing the surgical site, and strenuous activity during early recovery. Dietary restrictions and other precautions depend on the location and extent of the procedure.
Q Is swelling normal after a dental bone graft?
Mild to moderate swelling and tenderness are common after oral bone grafting and often peak during the first few days. Severe or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by the surgical team.
Q Can a bone graft fail?
Although most dental bone grafts heal successfully, complications such as infection, graft exposure, or inadequate bone development can occur. Following postoperative instructions and attending follow-up visits helps the surgeon monitor healing.
