245 Center St, Unit 2, Auburn, ME 04210
What Is Dental Bone Grafting?
Dental bone grafting is a procedure that rebuilds and strengthens the bone in your jaw. When bone has been lost or has thinned over time, a graft adds volume and density back to the area, creating the solid foundation needed to support dental implants and a healthy smile.
Your jawbone naturally begins to shrink once teeth are missing, because it is no longer stimulated by the tooth roots. Over time, this bone loss can make it difficult to place implants without first rebuilding the area. Bone grafting solves that problem, opening the door to permanent tooth replacement even for patients who were once told they did not have enough bone. At Auburn Dentures & Implants, Dr. Kessler uses bone grafting to help patients throughout Auburn, Lewiston, and the greater Androscoggin County area become candidates for the smile they want.
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Why Bone Grafting May Be Needed
There are several reasons the jawbone may need to be rebuilt before or during implant treatment:
- Missing teeth. After a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone gradually shrinks because it no longer has a root to support.
- Tooth extractions. A graft placed in the socket at the time of an extraction helps preserve bone for future tooth replacement.
- Gum disease. Advanced periodontal disease can destroy the bone that supports your teeth.
- Long-term denture wear. Traditional dentures that rest on the gums do not stimulate the bone, which can lead to bone loss over the years.
- Injury or infection. Trauma or infection can damage the bone and reduce its volume.
If any of these apply to you, a graft can restore the strength and structure your jaw needs to support implants.
How Bone Grafting Works
The goal of a bone graft is to give your body a scaffold on which to build new, healthy bone. During the procedure, grafting material is placed in the area where bone is needed. Over the following months, your body naturally regenerates its own bone around and within that material, gradually rebuilding the area into a strong, stable foundation.
Grafting material can come from a few different sources, including your own bone, donor or processed bone, or a synthetic material. Dr. Kessler will recommend the option best suited to your needs and explain exactly what is involved before treatment begins.
Types of Bone Grafting
Depending on where and how much bone is needed, different approaches may be used:
- Socket preservation. A graft placed in the socket right after an extraction to protect the bone and prepare the site for a future implant.
- Ridge augmentation. Rebuilding the width or height of the jaw ridge when bone has been lost over time.
- Sinus lift. Adding bone in the upper jaw beneath the sinus, often needed when placing implants in the back of the mouth.
Dr. Kessler will determine which approach is right for you after evaluating your jaw and your treatment goals.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from a bone graft is usually straightforward. Some mild swelling and soreness in the first several days is normal and can be managed with the aftercare guidance we provide. The most important part of the process is time, as your body needs several months to build new bone and create a stable foundation before implants are placed. Dr. Kessler will map out your personal timeline so you know exactly what to expect at each stage. Following your aftercare instructions, eating soft foods early on, and keeping up with your follow-up visits all help the healing go smoothly.
Bone Grafting and Your Implant Journey
For many patients, bone grafting is one step in a larger plan to restore a complete, confident smile. Once your graft has healed and your jaw is strong enough, you can move forward with tooth replacement such as a single-tooth implant, an implant bridge, or implant-supported dentures. Think of the graft as the groundwork that makes a lasting result possible.
Why Choose Auburn Dentures & Implants
- Focused expertise in dentures and implants, which is all we do
- Advanced training in implant dentistry and the procedures that support it
- Honest, transparent pricing with a clear plan before treatment begins
- In-network with most major insurance plans
- A warm, judgment-free team that treats you like a neighbor
Find the Right Treatment for You
Bone grafting is often the first step toward dental implants. Once your jaw is ready, explore a single-tooth implant for one missing tooth, an implant bridge for several teeth in a row, or snap-in dentures and All-on-4 for a full arch. If you still need failing teeth removed, learn more about extractions. Dr. Kessler will help you choose the best path at your consultation.
