Dental Bone Grafting in Auburn, ME – Building a Strong Foundation for Your Smile
Dental bone grafting is needed when there isn’t enough healthy natural bone in the jaw to support dental implants or keep your remaining teeth and facial structure stable. Bone loss can be caused by developmental defects, gum disease, facial injury or trauma, or the empty space left behind after teeth are removed. At Taylor Brook Dental Associates, our dentists perform bone grafting procedures right here in our office, helping restore lost bone so you can enjoy the long-term benefits of a complete, healthy smile.
Book OnlineWhat Is a Dental Bone Graft?
Dental bone grafting is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that helps regrow bone that has been lost or replaces unhealthy or missing bone with new bone. The graft material may come from another area of the body or be made from synthetic or other biocompatible materials. Most grafts consist of processed bone minerals that act as a scaffold, encouraging your body to create new bone cells over time. As your natural bone grows into the graft, the jaw becomes stronger and better able to support restorations such as dental implants.
Why Does Bone Loss Happen After Tooth Loss?
Your jawbone stays strong because tooth roots stimulate it every time you chew. When a tooth is lost or extracted, that stimulation stops, and the bone in that area gradually begins to shrink. Over time, this can make implant placement difficult, cause neighboring teeth to shift, make dentures fit poorly, and even change the shape of your face. Bone grafting helps stop and reverse this process.
Types of Dental Bone Grafts We Offer
There are several types of dental bone grafts. The best solution depends on the damage that needs to be repaired and the location of the missing tooth. At Taylor Brook Dental Associates, we offer:
Socket Preservation
Socket preservation is a bone grafting procedure our dentist completes immediately after a tooth extraction. Bone graft material is packed into the empty tooth socket to slow the natural bone resorption process. Socket preservation helps protect the health and volume of the bone until a dental implant can be placed.
Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation restores the natural density and contours of part or all of a jaw ridge. Rebuilding healthy bone levels across the jaw arch can provide a solid base for implants and make dentures more comfortable and better fitted to your gumline.
Sinus Lift
When the bone in the upper premolar or molar areas has lost density or height, you may benefit from a sinus lift. The sinus membrane is gently lifted, and bone grafting material is placed beneath it to restore proper bone height for implant placement.
Who May Need a Bone Graft?
- Patients planning dental implants, mini dental implants, or All-on-4 implants who lack sufficient bone
- Patients who have had a tooth extracted and want to preserve the site for future replacement
- Patients with bone loss caused by gum disease
- Patients who have worn dentures for many years and experienced jaw shrinkage
- Patients who have suffered facial or dental trauma
Are Dental Bone Grafts Painful?
Dental bone grafts are typically an outpatient procedure performed with local anesthesia, and they usually cause little to no pain. The procedure is often done before a dental implant or tooth replacement. For patients who feel anxious about oral surgery, we offer several levels of sedation dentistry to keep you relaxed and comfortable.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Dental Bone Graft?
Your dentist will usually prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and, in some cases, pain medication – although most patients find they don’t need it. Mild swelling or tenderness for a few days is normal. A dental bone graft is often the first step toward dental implants. Once the graft is placed, the new bone needs time to fuse with your natural jawbone before the next stage of treatment. This timeframe varies from person to person, and your dentist will monitor your healing at follow-up visits to determine the right time to move forward.
To learn whether bone grafting is right for you, call Taylor Brook Dental Associates at (207) 784-1577 to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your options and discuss flexible payment plans to fit your budget.
Dental Bone Grafting FAQs
Why do I need a bone graft before getting an implant?
An implant needs enough healthy bone to fuse with and stay secure. If your jawbone has thinned after tooth loss or gum disease, a graft rebuilds that foundation so your implant can succeed long term.
Is a dental bone graft painful?
Most patients experience little to no pain. The area is numbed during the procedure, and any soreness afterward is usually mild and short-lived. Sedation is available if you feel nervous.
Where does bone graft material come from?
Graft material can come from your own body, a donor source, an animal source, or synthetic materials. Your dentist will recommend the best type for your needs.
How long does a bone graft take to heal?
Healing time varies by person and by the type of graft. Your dentist will monitor your progress and let you know when the bone is ready for implant placement.
Can I get a bone graft at the same time as an extraction?
Yes. Socket preservation is commonly performed immediately after a tooth extraction to protect the bone for a future implant.
What should I eat after a bone graft?
Stick to soft, cool foods such as yogurt, smoothies (without a straw), mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs for the first few days, and avoid chewing on the graft site.
Do I always need a bone graft for dental implants?
No. Many patients have enough bone for implants without grafting, and treatments like All-on-4 or mini implants can sometimes avoid grafting altogether. We’ll evaluate your bone with imaging during your consultation.