Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants Great Falls, MT
For people who have one or two missing teeth, dental implants are one of the most effective tooth restorations available. The implant needs support from a sufficiently thick mass of jawbone to support the dental restoration. A bone graft procedure involves transplanting bone to the implant site to make the jawbone thicker.
Bone graft procedures for dental implants are available at Cottonwood Family Dentistry in Great Falls and the surrounding area. Although bone grafting is an option, it is not always necessary. If you want to know if you would need a bone graft for dental implants, call our office at (406) 296-7725 to book a consultation with Cottonwood Family Dentistry.
Jaw Mass and Dental Implants
Dental implant restoration involves the placement of titanium implants into the jawbone. Over time, the implant will fuse with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. This ensures that dental implants have the same function and appearance as natural teeth. However, for osseointegration to occur, the patient must have enough jawbone density to support the implants.
Bone density may diminish due to resorption. After tooth loss, the bone in that area can resorb by up to 25 percent within the first year, and will only get worse without proper treatment. The teeth and roots stimulate the jawbone and serve as a signal that the alveolar bone is serving its purpose. When the tooth is missing, the body transfers bone material from the jaw to other areas of the body.
Other causes of bone loss include gum disease, injury or decay, infections, and developmental defects. Anyone who has lost a tooth or is scheduled for tooth removal needs to plan for tooth replacement or procedures to reduce or stop bone resorption. Regular visits to the dentist can help to lower the risks.
“After tooth loss, the bone in that area can resorb by up to 25 percent within the first year and it only gets worse.”
When Bone Grafting Is Necessary
A dentist typically uses a thorough oral examination and X-rays to determine if a bone grafting procedure is necessary for dental implants. The jawbone commonly loses density as a result of unreplaced missing teeth. Bone is preserved by the pressure and stimulus caused by chewing, but when no tooth is present, the jawbone is no longer stimulated and starts to deteriorate. It is important to correct bone deterioration as it can cause more damaging complications, such as tooth loss. Dentists perform bone grafts using bone from the patient's body, usually from the back of the jawbone.
Signs That Indicate a Bone Graft Is Necessary
There are two primary signs the dentist may look for when determining if a bone graft is necessary. The first sign is the thickness of the bone inside the jaw. The second sign is how soft or hard the existing bone is. If the bone inside the jaw is thin, then we will likely recommend a bone graft. If the bone is soft, then a minor bone graft might be required to strengthen the bone and provide additional support for the implant. According to Mayo Clinic, periodontitis damages the soft tissue, destroying the bone that supports your teeth, so gum disease is a sign of potential bone loss as well.
“If the bone is soft, then a minor bone graft might be required to strengthen the bone and provide additional support for the implant.”
The Bone Graft Procedure
During a bone graft, the dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue over the bone-deficient area. Once the bone area is visible, they will put in the bone graft material and may cover the entire area with a special membrane to encourage growth. The dentist will then close the area with self-dissolving stitches.
Bone Augmentation
The dentist performs bone augmentation when there is minor bone loss. It serves the same function as a bone graft, which is to augment or build the jawbone and make it denser and stronger. During the procedure, the dentist will open the gum tissue over the area. Since the level of bone loss is low, only the augmentation material is added.
Following the Bone Grafting Procedure
After the procedure, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, as well as pain meds to manage the pain. Most patients who undergo a bone graft procedure will experience minimal or no pain. However, they may need antibiotics. It is essential that you follow the dentist's instructions and use meds accordingly.
The dentist will allow some time so that the bone graft can fuse with the natural bones. Since every patient is unique, it is hard to tell how long the fusion process will take. It usually takes between three months to a year for the bone rebuild process to complete. The patient will need to visit the dental office regularly for checkups until the dentist thinks the time is right to place the implants.
“It serves the same function as a bone graft, which is to augment or build the jawbone and make it denser and stronger.”
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What to Expect After the Procedure
Although patients differ in their condition, oral health status, and recovery, there are various ways to help the jaw heal faster. Bone grafting may result in swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding of the gums after the procedure. To recover as quickly as possible, stick to soft foods and avoid dark beverages or sugary drinks. Along with that, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene through a gentle brushing and flossing routine and using mouthwash.
We encourage patients to look for a qualified oral surgeon or implant specialist as they are most skilled at bone graft procedures. It is important that patients play an active role in their oral health and understand their treatments as well as who is performing them. As your dentist about their experience with bone grafting and how successful their treatments were. It may be a good idea to look at before-and-after testimonials and patient reviews online prior to scheduling a consultation.
“To recover as quickly as possible, stick to soft foods and avoid dark beverages or sugary drinks.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. When is bone grafting necessary?
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Q. How does jaw mass affect dental implantation?
Q. What happens during the bone graft procedure?
Q. What are some procedures that help stimulate bone growth?
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Procedures That Improve Bone Growth
To accelerate bone healing, the dentist may recommend additional procedures, including platelet-rich plasma or bone morphogenetic protein placement.
Platelet-rich plasma: Platelets are a component of the blood and play roles like producing growth factors into wounds and formation of blood clots. The plasma has platelets in high concentration. When used for bone grafts, PRP can help encourage quicker healing and tissue regeneration for faster results.
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP): This is a naturally occurring protein in the body that helps promote new bone growth. The material is synthesizable and can be used in bone augmentation and grafting treatments to increase jawbone mass. Using BMP removes the need to obtain bone graft material from external sources.
“To accelerate bone healing, the dentist may recommend additional procedures, including platelet-rich plasma or bone morphogenetic protein placement.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting
Q. What are the benefits of bone graft procedure?
A. With bone grafts, patients who may otherwise not be eligible for dental implants will be able to get dental implants. The procedure boosts the jawbone mass to make dental implant restoration successful over the years. After the jaw heals following a bone graft, it will be strong and stable to hold implant posts.
Q. What are the qualities of a good bone graft specialist?
A. It is important that you choose a bone graft specialist with the training and experience for performing the procedure. Preferably, the dentist should have a certification from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. The procedure is more likely to be successful if handled by an experienced dentist.
Q. How do I know if the bone graft specialist has experience?
A. During your consultation with the dentist, you can ask for references and before and after pictures from previous procedures. You can also ask for an explanation about the With, including the risks, side effects, and medications. You can inquire about continuing education courses to be sure the dentist is up to date on new technologies, techniques, and medications.
Q. Can I get dental implants immediately after bone augmentation?
A. If there is adequate bone tissue around the implant, the dentist may place the implant during the bone augmentation procedure. With time, the bone augmentation will cause new bone to grow around the implant. If a significant part of the bone is missing, placing implants immediately after bone grafting is not possible or advisable.
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Dental Implant Terminology
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We offer bone grafting for dental implants and help patients through the process. If you are interested in learning more about bone grafts as well as the implant process in general, then get in touch with us at 406-296-7725 today.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
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