What Is Dental Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a procedure that rebuilds or adds to the jawbone. It gives you a strong foundation for dental implants and restores bone that has been lost because of gum disease, tooth extraction or injury. Depending on the goal, it may also be called ridge augmentation or socket preservation.
At Martindale Smiles, our experienced dental team performs bone grafting to help patients who have been told they do not have enough bone for implants or other restorative treatment.
When Is Bone Grafting Needed?
Bone loss in the jaw can happen for several reasons. When the jawbone lacks enough volume or density, a bone graft can rebuild the area to support dental implants, improve facial structure or prevent further bone loss.
- Prolonged tooth loss without replacement
- Advanced gum disease
- Trauma or injury to the jaw
- Bone loss after a tooth extraction
- Certain medical conditions
Signs of Jawbone Loss
Jawbone loss often develops slowly and painlessly. Signs can include:
- A sunken or changed appearance around the mouth or cheeks
- Loose teeth or a change in how your bite fits together
- Dentures that no longer fit well
- Receding gums or gaps where teeth once were
- A dental implant consultation that shows there is not enough bone
Only an exam and imaging can confirm bone loss, so book a visit if you notice any of these changes.
The Bone Grafting Procedure
During the procedure, grafting material is placed in the area where bone is deficient. Over time, the graft integrates with your natural bone and creates new, strong bone tissue.
The healing period typically ranges from a few months to six months. After that, you may be ready for dental implant placement.
Grafting Material Options
Several grafting materials can be used, and your dentist will explain which is best for you.
- Your own bone, taken from another area of your body
- Donor bone from a tissue bank
- Synthetic materials made for dental grafting
What to Expect at Your Visit
- 1Comprehensive evaluation with imaging. We examine your jaw and take X-rays to measure your bone.
- 2Discussion of grafting material options. We explain your choices and answer your questions.
- 3The procedure. Your graft is placed under local anesthesia or sedation.
- 4Comfort options. Ask us about sedation if you feel anxious.
- 5Post-operative care instructions. We tell you how to care for the area as it heals.
- 6Follow-up monitoring and implant placement. We monitor your healing and place your implant once the graft has integrated.
Healing and Aftercare
You can expect mild soreness and swelling for a few days after treatment, which is normal. Your dentist will give you a clear plan for healing.
- Follow all care instructions we give you
- Eat soft foods while the area heals
- Avoid smoking, which slows healing
- Keep the area clean as directed
- Attend every follow-up appointment
Why Choose Martindale Smiles for Bone Grafting
- An experienced team in bone grafting procedures
- Modern diagnostic imaging
- Multiple grafting material options
- Sedation available for comfort
- Comprehensive follow-up care
- Open seven days a week, with same-day appointments available
- Direct insurance billing available
Related Treatments
- Dental implants in Northeast Calgary: replace missing teeth on a strong foundation.
- Complete and partial dentures in Northeast Calgary: a removable option that does not need a graft.
- Periodontal treatment in Northeast Calgary: treat gum disease that can cause bone loss.
Cost of Bone Grafting
The cost of a dental bone graft depends on how much bone needs to be rebuilt, the grafting material and the type of sedation or anesthesia used. Because every jaw is different, we give you a clear quote after your exam and imaging, before treatment begins.
We follow the ADA Fee Guide and offer direct billing to insurance. Coverage for bone grafting varies from plan to plan. Patients with the Canadian Dental Care Plan can find details on our CDCP page, and eligible First Nations and Inuit patients can learn more on our NIHB page. To receive a personalized quote, please contact our team.