Everything to Know About a Dental Bone Graft

dental bone graft

If you have lost part of your jawbone, you can opt for a dental bone graft procedure. Learn everything about it in this guide.

The global market for bone grafts could reach $11.5 billion by 2026 as more people require facial and dental surgery. If your dentist is recommending a dental bone graft, don't worry; it sounds scarier than it actually is.


What is dental bone grafting, exactly, and who needs this procedure? Read on to find out!

Reviewing this guide can help you determine if it's time to seek treatment from your local dentist in Catoosa, OK. Learn more today!

What Is a Bone Graft?

Dental bone graft procedures are necessary if you experience bone loss in your jaw. This procedure is often performed before a dental implant procedure. You might need it if bone loss is affecting your surrounding teeth as well.


A bone graft will help add density and volume to your jaw where bone loss occurred. 


In some cases, your dentist or oral surgeon will take bone from somewhere else in the bone to surgically fuse it with the bone in your jaw. In other situations, synthetic bone material is used instead. 


For example, your dentist might take bone from your tibia, hip, or the back of your jaw. This approach, known as autografts, is considered the gold standard. This route will increase bone support in your jaw, which can encourage faster bone formation and healing.


The four types of dental bone grafts include:


  • Autografts (bone is taken from your bone)
  • Allografts (bone is taken from another person)
  • Xenografts (involving bone from another species)
  • Alloplasts (involving synthetic material)


The synthetic material used for alloplasts might involve calcium sodium phosphosilicate or calcium phosphate. 


During the procedure, your dentist will make an incision in the jaw to attach (graft) the bone material in place). 


Is It Painful?


If your bone graft doesn't require harvesting bone from your body, it's a minor procedure.


You'll remain sedated during the dental bone grafting process. However, you could experience pain when the anesthesia wears off. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers to minimize symptoms. 


Your Catoosa dentist might recommend prescription-strength pain medication if the pain is severe.



When the bone material is obtained from your body, the recovery process can take longer. Surgery is usually done in two places (like your hip and jaw). However, the discomfort period should be brief, since only a small amount of bone is harvested.

Candidates

Talk to your dentist in Catoosa, OK to determine if you're an ideal candidate for oral surgery. They'll help you review your treatment options based on your needs.


By 2050, geriatric patients will account for about 20% of the global population (65 years and older). The growth of this population drives the prevalence of periodontal disease, which drives the need for bone grafts and oral surgery.


Periodontal (gum) disease could cause you to lose teeth if left untreated for too long. As a result, you might need dental implants to replace your missing teeth. Patients who are going to receive implants are ideal candidates for jawbone grafts.


Dental implants are artificial roots that look like screws. They're surgically placed into the jawbone to provide stimulation. A crown is placed on top, which will look and function like your natural teeth.


To be considered a candidate for implant surgery, you'll need a strong enough base for the implant. Bone grafting could help. 


If an area of your jaw has experienced bone loss due to gum disease or tooth loss, talk to your Catoosa dentist. They might recommend a jawbone graft to support the section of your jaw that lost bone. Otherwise, bone loss will continue affecting your nearby teeth and gums. 


Stabilizing your jaw with a bone graft can help you avoid long-term complications. 


Your appearance might begin to change if you've experienced bone loss. For example, your face might look shorter. Your lower jawbone might begin to protrude forward. 


Your skin might begin to look more wrinkled, too. A bone graft could help. 

The Procedure

You won't need to do much to prepare for your oral surgery. Talk to your Catoosa, OK dentist for a list of instructions. Their checklist might include:


  • Avoid eating about 12 hours before the procedure
  • Discuss what medications you're using
  • Make arrangements to get home


Some medications, including blood thinners, can increase the risk of bleeding or other complications during surgery. Your dentist will let you know which medications to avoid.


Once you receive your anesthesia, your dental technician will clean the treatment area. Your oral surgeon will then make an incision in your gum line. They'll separate the gum from the bone based on where the graft will be placed. 


Your surgeon will then place the bone material between the sections of bone that need to grow together. They'll secure the graft using a dissolvable adhesive material before sewing the incision back up. Then, the healing process begins. 

Recovery

Talk to your dentist for instructions following your procedure.


For example, you'll need to change the dressing around the incision site over the next 24 hours. You'll also need to take prescription antibiotics to prevent infection.


While you're healing, try:


  • Applying ice packs to the area
  • Eating soft, bland foods
  • Sleeping with your head elevated
  • Avoid hot liquids
  • Avoid hard or crunchy foods
  • Minimize physical activity


Follow these tips for the first few days.


Your jaw should feel normal after a few weeks. If you require dental implants, it could be a few months before your next procedure.

Make sure to follow up with your Catoosa dentist. They could schedule X-rays or complete a physical exam to assess your healing.


Side Effects


Your dentist will walk you through common side effects you might experience, which include:


  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Minor bleeding
  • Difficulty chewing and speaking


These side effects should subside after a few days. 



Unusual but serious side effects include blood clots, nerve damage, and rejection of the bone graft. Make sure to discuss any serious side effects you experience with your dentist right away. 

Dental Bone Graft: Talk to Your Dentist Today

If you need a dental bone graft, don't worry; your Catoosa dentist is here to help. With treatment, you can minimize jawbone loss before it affects your oral health. Otherwise, jawbone loss could lead to tooth loss and other issues. 


Need to schedule your upcoming oral surgery right away? We can't wait to see you.


Contact us today to get started. 

By Dental Arts of Catoosa March 28, 2025
According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 21% of adults ages 20 to 64 have at least one untreated cavity. Leaving a cavity untreated can lead to a severe infection that may spread throughout the body. In rare cases, it can become fatal. Instead of delaying treatment, ask your dentist in Catoosa, OK, about getting a laser cavity filling . What are the benefits of this dental innovation? Read on to find out! Why Seek Treatment? According to the World Health Organization , untreated dental cavities in permanent teeth are the most common health condition worldwide. Cavities are holes that develop due to untreated tooth decay. Acids can wear down (erode) your tooth's protective outer layer (enamel). Common symptoms of a cavity include: Bad breath Toothaches A bad taste in the mouth Sensitivity to hot or cold Facial swelling Bleeding gums If these symptoms sound familiar, consult your Catoosa, OK dentist right away. They can recommend a pain-free cavity treatment. Without treatment, the cavity can reach your tooth pulp (the innermost layer of a tooth). An infection may form on the tip of the tooth's root before spreading to the surrounding tissues. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream (sepsis) or the brain. A dental filling can restore your tooth before you require more extensive treatments. What Is Laser Dentistry? Laser dentistry is a minimally invasive dentistry procedure that uses highly concentrated light. The light can remove or reshape tissue. In addition to treating cavities, this dental innovation is also used for: Gum disease Teeth whitening Hypersensitivity Uses Though still used among other modern dental techniques, laser dentistry became common in the 1990s. It can be used for both hard and soft tissue procedures. Hard tissue procedures include: Cavity detection Tooth sensitivity treatment Tooth preparations and dental fillings The laser may find evidence of tooth decay, allowing you to begin immediate cavity treatment. During the procedure, you won't require local anesthesia or traditional drills. Instead, the laser will kill the bacteria in your cavity, improving the tooth's long-term health. Soft tissue procedures include: Crown lengthening Treating gummy smiles Treating tongue frenulum attachment The laser can reshape gum tissue if the gums are covering your teeth, improving the appearance of your smile. Crown lengthening involves reshaping bone and tissue to improve the tooth's structure. This can help with placing future tooth restorations. Other procedures include: Removing benign tumors Treating TMJ Treating obstructive sleep apnea Viewing the inside of a tooth or gum tissue Teeth whitening Treating cold sores Nerve regeneration Benefits A laser cavity filling procedure can help with more than improving dental health. Here are a few benefits to discuss with your family dentist if you need cavity treatment. Cavity Detection Not all cavities appear at a surface level, making them more difficult to detect. In some cases, dentists can struggle to reach the damaged area. The dentist may need to remove teeth to properly view or repair the infected tooth. A dental laser can detect and treat cavities that aren't easy to see. The laser will assess parts of the mouth that other dental instruments can't. Choosing modern dental techniques may save your tooth. Minimally Invasive Dentistry Dental drills can sometimes unnecessarily remove natural, undamaged portions of a tooth. Dental lasers, on the other hand, are precise and less invasive. This precision allows them to remove decayed or damaged tissue without harming surrounding structures. Choosing this minimally invasive dentistry technique can help with improving dental health. If dental drills make you nervous, this option can also provide peace of mind. Since the treatment is minimally invasive, your recovery time may improve. You can get back to eating your favorite foods without prolonged delay. Combats Infection Dental lasers sterilize tissue as they work. This ensures that residual bacteria are eliminated during the procedure. Choosing treatment using a dental laser may help reduce your risk of post-treatment complications, including infection. Carbon dioxide lasers can strengthen your tooth enamel's natural structure, making the tooth more resilient than before. Remember, dental lasers can treat both hard and soft tissues. According to market research company Grand View Research , laser dentistry is primarily used in periodontics (17.8% of all applications). Talk to your dentist if you have periodontal (gum) disease. They can treat the infection before it affects your overall health. Pain-Free Cavity Treatment Modern dental techniques are more effective at finding and cleaning cavities without causing as much pain as older dental instruments. You may not need much or any anesthetic during your procedure. Instead, you can remain comfortable while receiving the treatment you need. Safe for Improving Dental Health If you have a cavity, this dental innovation is a safe and effective treatment option. It's safe for both children and adults. Recognizing these benefits may give you peace of mind before your appointment. Lasers are more precise than drills. There's a lower chance that a dentist will damage other parts of your tooth while removing the infected area. Less Dental Anxiety Since this pain-free cavity treatment is less invasive, it won't cause discomfort, which may ease a patient's dental anxiety. Reduced dental anxiety can encourage patients to return for routine appointments. Scheduling regular appointments and preventive dentistry can protect your oral and overall health. If you have crippling dental anxiety, talk to your Catoosa dentist about sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry can keep you calm during the procedure to ensure you receive the care you need. Your dentist can develop a customized treatment plan based on your concerns. Schedule Your Laser Cavity Filling Getting a laser cavity filling can protect your smile and improve your overall health. Don't delay seeking treatment for your cavity. Instead, consult your Catoosa, OK dentist to determine if this pain-free cavity treatment is right for you. At Dental Arts, we prioritize our patients to ensure they receive the treatment they need. With up to 25% off in-office dental plans, convenient evening and weekend appointments, and a commitment to providing excellent care in a friendly environment, we can make it easy for you to maintain peak dental health. Contact us now to schedule your laser cavity filling appointment!
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Cosmetic dentistry is growing at an unprecedented rate. According to Identity Dental Marketing, in 2024, the number of people who underwent treatments like veneers, teeth whitening, and complete smile makeovers significantly increased. The surge in demand reflects a growing desire for brighter, more uniform smiles and increased confidence in personal and professional settings. Both procedures can enhance your smile. However, they differ in their approach, longevity, cost, and suitability for different dental concerns. Understanding the differences between veneers and bonding can help you choose the best option. Keep reading to explore their unique benefits, costs, and which treatment might be the best fit for you. What is dental boding? Dental bonding is when a tooth-colored composite resin is applied to the teeth to correct imperfections. The resin is strategically sculpted, hardened with a special light, and polished to integrate with the natural tooth. This treatment is excellent for minor cosmetic matters and is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to enhance your smile. Dental Bonding Benefits Dental bonding is an effective and affordable way to improve the appearance of your teeth . It is a great option for minor cosmetic enhancements without invasive procedures. Here's a deeper dive into the benefits: Quick and painless: The procedure is usually completed in a single visit, often in less than an hour per tooth Affordable: The cost of veneers vs bonding favors bonding, making it the more budget-friendly solution Reversible: Since very little to no enamel is removed, the procedure can be reversed if desired. Great for minor corrections: Bonding is best for small chips, slight discoloration, and minor gaps between teeth. what are dental veneers? Dental veneers are customized thin shells commonly created out of porcelain and bonded to the teeth' front surface. Veneers are a complete smile transformation. They provide a long-lasting solution for various dental imperfections. Veneers Benefits Dental veneers provide a long-term solution for those looking to enhance their smile. They are an excellent choice for individuals seeking a more dramatic transformation with lasting results. With their ability to mimic the natural translucency of teeth, veneers offer a highly realistic and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Durable and long-lasting: Porcelain veneers can last 10-40 years with proper care Stain-resistant: Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers resist staining from coffee, wine, and other pigmented foods Comprehensive smile enhancement: They can cover discoloration, close gaps, fix misshapen teeth, and create a uniform, aesthetically pleasing smile Differences Between Veneers and Dental Bonding Cosmetic dental treatments vary in approach and effectiveness, making it essential to understand which option best suits your needs. When you are looking at dental bonding vs veneers, it is important to know that they both enhance the smile but differ in several ways. Material and Appearance Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin sculpted directly onto the tooth. Veneers, on the other hand, are made from porcelain or composite material. They offer a highly polished, natural appearance that mimics real teeth. Durability and Lifespan Dental bonding typically lasts five to seven years, while veneers can last 10 to 40 years with proper care. Veneers are more resistant to chipping and cracking compared to bonding. Stain Resistance Composite resin used in bonding can stain over time, especially with regular consumption of wine, tea, coffee. Porcelain veneers, however, are highly stain-resistant, keeping your smile bright for years to come. Procedure Time Bonding is a quick solution, often completed in one visit. Veneers usually require multiple appointments. The veneer process involves: Taking impressions Fabricating the veneers in a dental lab and bonding them to the teeth Tooth Preparation Minimal to no enamel is removed for bonding, making it a more conservative option. This makes bonding an attractive choice for those who want to maintain the integrity of their natural teeth. Veneers require the removal of a thin layer of enamel to ensure a proper fit, making them a permanent choice. Cost of Veneers vs Bonding The cost of veneers vs bonding varies significantly. Bonding is generally more affordable, with an average cost ranging from $300 to $600 per tooth . Veneers, on the other hand, are a more substantial investment, costing between $900 and $2,500 per tooth . The price difference is due to the materials used, the procedure's complexity, and the results' longevity. While veneers have a higher upfront cost, they last longer than bonding. This makes them a worthwhile investment for those seeking a permanent cosmetic solution. Are You a Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry? Anyone unhappy with their smile due to discoloration, chips, gaps, or uneven teeth may benefit from cosmetic dentistry options like bonding or veneers. However, healthy teeth and gums are essential before undergoing any cosmetic treatment. Issues like cavities or gum disease must be addressed first to ensure long-term success. A consultation with a qualified dentist will help determine the best course of action based on your dental health and cosmetic goals. Why Choose Dental Arts for Your Smile Makeover? At Dental Arts in Locust Grove, OK, we understand that choosing a cosmetic dental procedure is a significant decision. Dr. Michaelsen and his team provide top-tier cosmetic dentistry options in a welcoming, patient-focused environment. Here's why patients trust Dental Arts: Experienced and compassionate care: Our team prioritizes patient health and comfort Flexible scheduling: Evening and early morning appointments make it easier for working professionals to get the care they need Affordable solutions: We offer an in-house dental plan to help reduce costs for our patients Personalized treatment plans: Every smile is unique, and we customize treatments to fit your needs Dental Bonding vs Veneers: Making the Right Choice Choosing between dental bonding vs veneers depends on your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals. Dental bonding benefits those who want a quick, cost-effective fix for minor imperfections. Veneers benefit those seeking a long-lasting, stain-resistant solution for a perfect smile. Consulting a trusted cosmetic dentist can help you determine the best option for your situation. At Dental Arts, we offer comprehensive cosmetic consultations to guide you toward the best treatment for your dream smile. Contact Dental Arts in Locust Grove, OK, today to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you achieve the confident, beautiful smile you deserve!
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