Bone grafting for implants in Denver, CO
Bone grafting is a procedure used to restore or preserve jawbone so that dental implants can be placed securely. Adequate bone volume and density are essential for long-term implant success. When bone has been lost due to tooth extraction, injury, or long-term tooth loss, bone grafting may be recommended to create a strong foundation for implants.
Not every patient needs bone grafting. The need depends on how much bone is present, where the implant will be placed, and how long the tooth has been missing. Imaging and clinical evaluation help determine whether bone grafting is necessary as part of your implant treatment plan.
Schedule your visit at [practice_name] across the Denver Metro area, call us at one of our convenient locations, Cherry Creek, Central Park, and Parker.
Do I Have Enough Bone for Dental Implants?
After a tooth is extracted, the surrounding bone naturally begins to heal. When the walls of the extraction socket are thick, the area often fills in with bone within two to three months. This type of healing is more predictable in certain areas of the mouth.
However, when the socket walls are thin, such as in the upper and lower front teeth, bone healing is less predictable. In these cases, a bone graft is often placed at the time of tooth extraction. This helps your body fill the empty socket with bone and maintain the width and volume needed for future implant placement. Taking this step early can make implant treatment simpler and more predictable several months later.
Planning for Successful Implant Placement
Bone grafting plays an important role in making dental implants possible for patients who might otherwise not have enough bone. With careful planning and proper healing time, grafting can help ensure implants are placed securely and function comfortably for years to come.
During your consultation, your provider will review imaging, explain whether bone grafting is recommended, and outline the timeline involved. This allows you to move forward with confidence, knowing your treatment is designed for long-term success.
Schedule your visit at [practice_name] across the Denver Metro area, call us at one of our convenient locations, Cherry Creek, Central Park, and Parker.
Bone Grafting Procedures
Bone Grafting When There Is Inadequate Bone
If a tooth was removed many years ago, the jawbone in that area may have become very thin over time. Without stimulation from a natural tooth root, the bone gradually shrinks. When the ridge is too narrow to support an implant, bone grafting can be performed to rebuild the area. In this situation, bone graft material is placed next to the existing bone and allowed to heal for several months. During this time, the graft fuses with your natural bone. After sufficient healing, often up to six months, the area is re-entered and the dental implant is placed. Bone grafting is typically a comfortable office procedure. There are several types of grafting materials available, including options that use your own bone. Your provider will discuss which approach is best for your specific needs.
Bone Grafting for Large Sinus Cavities
Bone grafting may also be needed when the sinus cavities in the upper jaw are large or extend into areas where implants are planned. This commonly occurs when back teeth in the upper jaw have been missing for a long time. As bone resorbs, the sinus space expands, leaving limited bone height for implant placement. In these cases, a sinus grafting procedure, also called a sinus lift, may be recommended. This procedure gently elevates the membrane lining the sinus cavity and adds bone beneath it to restore sufficient height for implant placement. Sinus grafting is most often performed in the office using local anesthesia, with sedation available when appropriate. In many cases, sinus grafting can be done at the same time as dental implant placement. Your provider will evaluate imaging and determine whether this combined approach is suitable for you.