We accept most major insurance plans and handle all the paperwork for you!
We accept most major insurance plans and handle all the paperwork for you!
When tooth loss occurs, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate—a natural process that can limit your future restoration options. Bone grafting rebuilds this essential foundation, creating the strong support needed for dental implants and restoring facial structure. This specialized procedure is increasingly common for patients looking to replace missing teeth with the most natural-looking, functional solutions available.
At Grand Oaks Dentistry, Dr. Sharma and our experienced team have been providing comprehensive bone grafting procedures to patients in south Austin and surrounding neighborhoods since 2014. We understand that rebuilding bone tissue requires precision, expertise, and a customized approach for each patient’s unique situation.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that replaces missing bone tissue in your jaw with grafting material to stimulate new bone growth. Think of it as providing a scaffold where your body can regenerate its own bone tissue over time. This process, called osseointegration, creates a strong foundation for dental implants or improves the appearance and function of your jaw.
The grafting material used may come from several sources, including your own body (autografts), human donor tissue (allografts), animal sources (xenografts), or synthetic materials. Dr. Sharma will recommend the most appropriate option based on your specific needs and health considerations.
When teeth are lost or extracted, the surrounding bone no longer receives the stimulation it needs from regular chewing forces. Without this stimulation, the body naturally begins to resorb or break down the bone tissue. In fact, up to 25% of bone width can be lost within the first year after tooth extraction.
This bone loss can create several problems:
Early intervention with bone grafting can prevent these issues, preserving your options for tooth replacement and maintaining your facial structure.
At our South Austin practice, we offer several types of bone grafting procedures tailored to your specific needs:
When a tooth is extracted, socket preservation involves placing grafting material directly into the empty socket. This procedure is typically performed immediately after extraction to prevent the bone loss that naturally occurs. By maintaining the socket’s shape and volume, we create an ideal environment for future implant placement.
Socket preservation is minimally invasive and can significantly reduce the need for more extensive grafting later on. The procedure takes only about 15-20 minutes following your extraction and can save considerable time and expense in your overall treatment plan.
For patients who have already experienced significant bone loss, ridge augmentation rebuilds the height and width of the jawbone. This more extensive procedure is often necessary when tooth loss occurred months or years ago without socket preservation.
The grafting material is placed along the weakened area of the jawbone and secured with a protective membrane. Over several months, your body replaces this material with natural bone, creating a stronger, wider foundation for implants.
In the upper jaw, bone loss can lead to insufficient space between the sinus cavity and the mouth. A sinus lift raises the sinus floor and adds bone grafting material, creating adequate bone height for upper molar and premolar implants.
This specialized procedure requires particular expertise, which Dr. Sharma has developed through years of experience and continued education in the latest techniques.
Understanding what to expect can help ease any concerns about bone grafting. Here’s what the typical process involves at our South Austin office:
Your journey begins with a comprehensive examination using advanced imaging techniques to assess your bone structure. Dr. Sharma will evaluate your jaw’s current condition and discuss your goals for tooth replacement. Based on this information, we’ll create a customized treatment plan that outlines the type of grafting needed, the timeline, and your restoration options.
On the day of your procedure, we’ll ensure your comfort with appropriate anesthesia options. The specifics vary depending on the type of graft, but generally involve:
Most bone grafting procedures at our South Austin office take between 45-90 minutes, depending on the complexity and number of sites being treated.
After your procedure, you may experience some swelling and discomfort for a few days. We’ll provide detailed post-operative instructions and appropriate pain management options to ensure a comfortable recovery.
The bone integration process itself takes time—typically 4-9 months depending on the type and extent of the graft. During this healing period, your body gradually replaces the grafting material with your own bone tissue, creating a strong, natural foundation for implants.
Bone grafting is an investment in your long-term oral health and quality of life. The cost varies depending on the type and extent of grafting needed, with socket preservation being the most affordable option and extensive ridge augmentation or sinus lifts requiring a greater investment.
At Grand Oaks Dentistry, we believe financial concerns shouldn’t prevent you from receiving necessary care. We offer financing options through Care Credit and Cherry that can make treatment more accessible, with payments potentially as low as $100 per month depending on your treatment plan.
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for bone grafting, especially when it’s necessary for functional restoration rather than purely cosmetic purposes. Our team will help you understand your coverage and maximize your benefits.
Bone grafting may be recommended if:
During your consultation at our South Austin office, Dr. Sharma will evaluate your specific situation and discuss whether bone grafting is the right approach for your needs and goals.
Rebuilding your jaw’s foundation requires precision, expertise, and a customized approach. At Grand Oaks Dentistry, South Austin dentist Dr. Sharma and our team have been providing exceptional care from the same South Austin location since 2014, establishing a reputation for consistent quality and patient-centered treatment.
Our commitment to continuing education ensures we stay current with the latest bone grafting techniques and materials, providing you with the most effective and comfortable experience possible. With convenient financing options and a caring, experienced team, restoring your dental foundation has never been more accessible.
Take the first step toward rebuilding your smile’s foundation. Contact Grand Oaks Dentistry today at (512) 291-1666 or through our contact form to schedule your bone grafting consultation.
