Restore Jaw Health with Bone Grafting in Raleigh, NC

A dental bone graft is a procedure that rebuilds bone volume in the jaw where it has been lost due to tooth extraction, gum disease, injury, or long-term tooth loss. The graft acts as a scaffold that encourages your body to regenerate new bone, creating a strong, stable foundation for future dental implants. Grafts can use donor bone, synthetic material, or your own bone, depending on the size and location of the site being treated.

Dental implants need enough healthy jawbone to anchor securely and heal into place. When bone has deteriorated after tooth loss or tooth extractions, a bone graft restores the volume the implant needs for long-term stability. Without adequate bone, implants are more likely to loosen or fail, which is why grafting is often planned as the first step in implant treatment.

Most patients feel little to no pain during a bone graft because the procedure is performed under local anesthesia. For patients who feel anxious, Luma Dental Studio offers sedation dentistry options, including nitrous oxide and IV conscious sedation, for a more relaxed experience. Mild soreness or swelling after the procedure is normal and usually resolves within a few days with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Gum tissue typically heals within 1 to 2 weeks, but the bone itself needs about 3 to 6 months to fully integrate before an implant can be placed. Healing time depends on the size of the graft, the location in the jaw, your overall health, and how closely you follow post-op instructions. Dr. Chi will schedule follow-up visits to check your progress and confirm when your jaw is ready for the next stage of treatment.

The cost of a dental bone graft varies based on the type of graft needed (socket preservation, ridge augmentation, sinus lift, or block graft), the material used, and the size of the treatment area. Many dental plans cover a portion of the cost when the graft is medically necessary for implant placement. Our team will review your dental insurance benefits and go over payment options with you at your consultation, so you know exactly what to expect before treatment begins.

There are four common types used in dentistry: autografts (bone taken from your own body), allografts (donor bone from a tissue bank), xenografts (bone from another species, typically bovine), and alloplasts (synthetic bone-substitute materials). Each option has its own advantages depending on how much bone is needed and where the graft is placed. During your consultation, Dr. Chi will recommend the option best suited to your bone loss, health history, and treatment goals.

Sometimes, yes, if you have enough natural bone volume and density, you may qualify for direct implant placement. Alternatives like All-on-4 implants can also work with less bone in certain cases, or tooth-replacement options such as dental bridges and dentures may be considered instead. A 3D scan and evaluation at our Raleigh office is the best way to find out which solution is right for you. Contact us to schedule a consultation.