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After a tooth is extracted, the jawbone in that area naturally begins to shrink. The bone depends on regular chewing pressure to stay strong, and once that stimulation is gone, it starts to resorb. A dental bone graft helps preserve the site and maintain the structure needed for future restorations.
Table of Contents
- Why Bone Grafting Is Important
- When a Bone Graft May Not Be Needed
- Bone Grafting at the Time of Extraction
- Schedule a Consultation in Deer Park, IL
- FAQs
Why Bone Grafting Is Important
Once a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone begins to shrink because it no longer receives stimulation from the tooth root. Over time, this loss of bone height and width can affect facial support and make future implant placement more difficult.
Bone grafting fills the empty socket with graft material that encourages new bone growth and preserves the ridge’s natural shape. This helps maintain jaw strength and stability, protecting your options for long-term tooth replacement.
When a Bone Graft May Not Be Needed
Not every extraction site requires a bone graft. Teeth that do not play a significant role in chewing or appearance can often heal naturally without grafting. This includes wisdom teeth, second molars with adequate surrounding support, and teeth removed for orthodontic reasons. In these cases, preserving bone volume is less critical because the site is not being prepared for future restoration.
When a tooth affects chewing, supports a bridge, or lies within the smile line, bone grafting is usually recommended to maintain bone structure and allow for stable implant placement later. Your oral surgeon will assess the location, neighboring teeth, and long-term treatment goals to determine whether grafting is beneficial.
Bone Grafting at the Time of Extraction
If your surgeon determines that you would benefit from a bone graft, they will perform socket preservation immediately after the tooth is extracted.
Once the tooth is removed, the socket is cleaned and filled with bone graft material to help maintain its shape and support new bone growth. A small collagen membrane is placed over the graft, and the gum tissue is sutured closed to protect the area as it heals.
Over the following months, the graft material integrates with your natural bone, creating a solid foundation for future implant placement.
Timing of Dental Implant Placement
After a bone graft, most patients need three to six months for the grafted area to heal before an implant can be placed. This allows time for the new bone to form and strengthen around the graft material.
It is important not to wait too long after grafting. If an implant is delayed for several years, the bone can start to shrink again, and the graft may no longer provide enough support. Your oral surgeon will track your healing and recommend the right time to move forward so the results last.
Schedule a Consultation in Deer Park, IL
At Oral Facial & Implant Specialists, our oral surgeons perform bone grafting with precision and care to protect your oral health. If you are planning a tooth extraction or want to explore dental implant options, schedule a consultation with Dr. J. Travis Thompson or Dr. Stephen Martin.
To book a dental implant consultation at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or visit us at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL.
FAQs
New bone formation usually takes three to six months. Healing time depends on the size of the graft, the type of bone material used, and your body’s natural bone metabolism.
Once the graft is placed and the surgical site is closed, it feels the same as the surrounding tissue. The graft remains protected under the gum as the bone tissue grows.
Graft failure is rare, but it can occur if infection, smoking, or systemic conditions interfere with bone healing. In those cases, the bone grafting procedure can be repeated once the area stabilizes.
Socket preservation is strongly recommended if you plan for dental implants in the future. It prevents rapid bone resorption and keeps the extraction site strong enough for stable implant placement.
