Dental Bone Grafting

When Is a Bone Graft Needed?

A bone graft is most commonly performed at the time of tooth extraction, when graft material is placed into the empty socket before it can collapse, a procedure called socket preservation. Without it, the ridge typically narrows within the first few months, often making implant placement more complicated later. A graft may also be needed when a tooth has been missing for some time and bone has already resorbed, or when bone loss from periodontal disease has compromised support around existing teeth.

Types of Bone Graft Material

The right material depends on the extent of bone loss, the location in the jaw, and each patient’s clinical situation. Dr. Coambs will discuss the options and explain which approach fits your case.

What to Expect During and After a Bone Graft

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. Graft material is placed into the site, a membrane is positioned over it to guide healing, and sutures secure the tissue. Most patients experience mild swelling and tenderness that resolves within days. New bone integration takes 4 to 6 months, after which the site is re-evaluated for implant readiness. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ann Coambs, use our contact form or call our office.

We perform bone grafting procedures as part of a broader commitment to helping patients in the Arboretum area, Ballantyne, Matthews, and Pineville preserve their jawbone and plan confidently for implants. If you have recently had a tooth extracted or have been told you may not have enough bone for an implant, a consultation with Dr. Ann Coambs is the right next step.

Bone Grafting and Dental Implants: How They Work Together

According to research published in the NIH National Library of Medicine, bone grafting has become an essential part of modern implant dentistry, enabling successful placement even in patients with significant bone deficiency. The reason is straightforward: dental implants require a minimum volume of bone to achieve stable integration. When that volume is not there, placing an implant without grafting first leads to poor outcomes and potential failure. A bone graft performed at or shortly after extraction preserves that volume. Once the graft matures — typically over 4 to 6 months — the site is re-evaluated and implant placement can proceed with confidence. At Imagine Dentistry, we coordinate the full process, from grafting through implant planning, so patients in South Charlotte, Ballantyne, Matthews, and Pineville have a clear and connected path from tooth loss to a restored smile.