Bone Grafting Q&A

Bone grafting enhances the strength and structure of your jawbone to preserve your facial structure and hold a dental implant if needed. At Albemarle Dental Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, the dental experts perform bone grafting surgery after evaluating the bone itself with advanced X-ray imaging. To find out if you can benefit from bone grafting, call Albemarle Dental Associates or request an appointment online today.


What is bone grafting?

Bone grafting is an oral surgery that involves the placement of additional bone cells or a bone-like substance into your upper or lower jawbone. Adding more bone increases the density of your jawbone in the targeted area and makes it stronger and more stable. 

During bone graft surgery at Albemarle Dental Associates, the team makes an incision, usually in your gums, to expose your jawbone. Then they attach the bone or synthetic bone material. 

If you opt for your own natural bone graft rather than using artificial matter, the team first takes a bone sample from elsewhere in your body to use for the graft. Usually, this type of graft comes from the hip, tibia, or the back of your jaw. Sometimes, natural bone grafts come from animal or human donors. 

Once the bone or grafting material is placed in your jaw, your natural bone fuses with the graft as you heal.  

Why do I need bone grafting?

The Albemarle Dental Associates team recommends bone grafting in cases when it can preserve or restore your oral health and function. A dental bone graft can:

Help support a dental implant

If you lose a tooth, one of the most reliable and resilient options for replacement is a dental implant. However, the loss of a tooth can lead to the loss of bone density in your jaw, and you need to make up for that with a bone graft for implant support. The team takes X-rays during an implant consultation to evaluate your jaw bone health.

Stabilize your jaw

Gum disease and tooth loss can both weaken your jawbone and leave it more vulnerable to more damage. A bone graft prevents additional bone loss. 

Restore your facial structure

After a certain amount of bone loss in your jaw, the shape of your face starts to change. If your face starts to look shorter or if your lower jaw seems to jut forward, you can talk to the Albemarle Dental Associates team about bone grafting. 

How should I prepare for bone grafting?

Bone grafting is minor oral surgery, but it’s still surgery. That means there are a few steps and considerations you should take before you go in for your appointment. Depending on the type of anesthesia you get, you may need to fast for 8-12 hours beforehand. 

During your consultation, you should let the team know of any medications and supplements you take regularly. If any on the list thin your blood, you may be advised to stop taking them for some time before your surgery. 

For a bone health evaluation and possible bone grafting consultation for dental implants or otherwise, call Albemarle Dental Associates or request an appointment online today.