Bone Grafting
WHAT IS BONE GRAFTING?
Being told you do not have enough bone for an implant is often not the end of the conversation — it is the beginning of one.
Dental implants are anchored in the jawbone, and the quality and volume of that bone determines whether an implant can be placed and whether it will remain stable over the long term. When bone has been lost due to tooth extraction, gum disease, trauma, or prolonged tooth absence, there may not be sufficient volume to support an implant without first rebuilding the foundation. Bone grafting is the procedure that makes implant placement possible for patients who would otherwise not be candidates. At LUMI Dental in Boca Raton, bone grafting is an integral and carefully executed component of our implant care program.
Bone graft materials used in dental procedures include synthetic bone substitutes, allograft bone from certified human tissue banks, xenograft bone from bovine sources processed for biocompatibility, and autograft bone harvested from another site within the patient’s own body. The grafted material provides a scaffold into which the patient’s own bone cells grow over three to six months, gradually replacing the graft with new living bone. The appropriate material for a given situation depends on the size and location of the defect, the clinical objectives, and the patient’s medical history, all of which we discuss as part of treatment planning.
BENEFITS OF BONE GRAFTING
- Expands implant candidacy for patients previously told they lack sufficient bone volume.
- Socket preservation grafts placed at extraction prevent resorption and simplify future implant placement.
- Three-dimensional CT imaging confirms adequate bone development before implant placement proceeds.
- Performed under local anesthesia, most patients find recovery more manageable than anticipated.
- Long-term investment in the bone foundation that supports your implant for life.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT DURING A BONE GRAFTING TREATMENT?
Bone grafting is performed under local anesthesia. The graft material is placed in the prepared site, covered with a membrane if appropriate to guide bone regeneration, and the site is closed with sutures. Post operative recovery involves some soreness and swelling for a few days. The bone integration period takes three to six months, during which we monitor healing with follow-up imaging. Once adequate bone volume is confirmed by CT imaging, implant placement is scheduled. We communicate the expected timeline at every stage.
OUR APPROACH TO BONE GRAFTING
At LUMI Dental, bone graft recommendations are grounded in three dimensional cone beam CT imaging that allows us to measure bone volume and density precisely in the treatment area. We only recommend grafting when the imaging confirms it is clinically necessary for the implant to be placed safely and stably. We explain the procedure, the material, the healing timeline, and how the graft fits into the broader implant plan before proceeding. Every step of this process is shared with you clearly so you understand exactly what you are investing in and why.
Your smile deserves attention today, not tomorrow.
Schedule Your ConsultationWhat our PATIENTS SAY
VIEW ALL TESTIMONIALFrequently Asked Questions LUMI Dental
Does bone grafting hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Some post-operative soreness and swelling are expected and manageable with prescribed or over the counter pain relief. Most patients find recovery more straightforward than anticipated.
How long does bone graft healing take?
Most grafting procedures require three to six months of healing before implant placement can proceed. We use follow-up imaging to confirm adequate bone development before advancing to the next phase.
Is bone grafting always necessary before an implant?
No. Many patients have adequate bone for implant placement without grafting. The need is determined by the bone evaluation at your consultation. We only recommend it when imaging confirms it is clinically necessary.
Will the graft material be absorbed over time?
Yes. Bone graft materials serve as scaffolding that the body gradually replaces with its own living bone through the process of remodeling. By the time implant placement occurs, the site ideally consists primarily of the patient’s own regenerated bone.
What are the risks of bone grafting?
Bone grafting is a well established, safe procedure. Potential complications include infection, graft failure, and delayed healing, all minimized by thorough planning, precise technique, and careful post operative follow up.