Building A Solid Foundation For Long-Term Success
Strong implants start with strong bone. If you’ve been missing teeth for a while, had an extraction, or experienced gum disease, you might need a bone graft to rebuild volume before or during implant placement. At New Smiles in Sherwood, OR, we use advanced imaging and carefully selected graft materials to give your implants the best possible foundation.
Why Bone Shrinks After Tooth Loss
Teeth stimulate the jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone can resorb—especially in the first few months. Grafting replaces or augments that missing volume, supporting natural contours and the correct position of your future dental implant.
Common Graft Types In Everyday Language
- Socket Preservation: Placed immediately after an extraction to maintain the ridge shape.
- Ridge Augmentation: Rebuilds width or height when bone loss has already occurred.
- Sinus Lift (Elevation): Adds bone in the upper back jaw where sinuses expand after tooth loss.
- Block Graft: A larger piece of bone to correct significant defects.
- PRF-Enhanced Grafts: Combine graft material with your own growth factors for early healing support.
Materials We May Recommend
- Autograft: Your own bone—excellent biology and integration.
- Allograft: Carefully processed donor bone—well-researched and widely used.
- Xenograft: Bovine-derived mineral scaffold—great for maintaining long-term volume.
- Alloplast: Synthetic options designed for biocompatibility.
Timing: One Stage Or Two?
Sometimes we place a small graft at extraction and wait several months before placing the implant. Other times, if bone is adequate, we place the implant and add a minor graft in the same visit. Larger augmentations benefit from a staged approach to ensure stability and predictability.
What Surgery Day Is Like
You’ll be comfortably numb, and IV sedation is available for longer procedures. We prepare the site, place the graft, and secure it with a membrane if needed. Stitches are typically removed in 1–2 weeks. Most patients describe mild to moderate soreness managed with over-the-counter medications and careful home care.
Healing And Follow-Up
Bone matures gradually. Depending on the graft size and area, we usually wait 3–6 months before placing or loading an implant. 3D scans help us verify readiness and plan your implant position for an ideal esthetic and functional result.
Benefits Beyond Implants
Grafts also support facial contours, helping prevent the “sunken” look that can follow multiple extractions. In the esthetic zone (front teeth), adequate bone and gum thickness are essential for a natural-looking gumline around your final crown.
FAQs
Will I swell or bruise?
A little—ice, rest, and head elevation help. Most patients return to normal routines quickly.
Is donor bone safe?
Yes. Reputable tissue banks follow rigorous standards. We’re happy to explain how materials are sourced and processed.
Can smokers have grafts?
Smoking increases risk. We strongly encourage quitting before surgery to protect healing and long-term results.
Your Roadmap To Stable, Beautiful Implants
Thoughtful grafting sets you up for long-term comfort and confidence with your implants. We’ll personalize material choice, timing, and sedation so the process feels smooth from start to finish.
Considering implants? Call New Smiles in Sherwood, OR at (503) 925-9595 to Book an Appointment and learn whether a bone graft can strengthen your foundation.
