12104 Sheraton Hills Dr Fredericksburg VA 22407
Monday - Wednesday 9 AM to 5 PM
Thursday 8 AM to 5 PM
Friday 8 AM to 2 PM
Saturday - Sunday Off
+1(540)548-2605
Our mission is to help patients live healthier lives. We provide a caring, nurturing environment where your comfort and health is of primary importance.
After tooth extraction, if the socket walls are robust, they will typically fill naturally with bone within two to three months. However, when the socket walls are thin—as is often the case with upper and lower front teeth—the natural healing process may be less predictable. In these instances, a bone graft is frequently placed at the time of extraction to stimulate and support bone regeneration. This step is crucial for maintaining the necessary bone width and volume required for implant placement several months later.
An example of a jaw with inadequate front bone structure to support a dental implant
A depiction of bone grafting material placed to increase the bone structure
A representation of dental implants placed after bone grafting
If your tooth was removed many years ago and your bony ridge is extremely thin, there may be inadequate bone for implant placement. In this case, a bone graft can be placed next to the thin bone and allowed to heal for up to six months. After the graft has fused to your pre-existing bone, the ridge will be re-entered and the implant placed. Many different bone-grafting materials are available, including your own bone.
A jaw lacking enough bone in the back of the mouth for a dental implant
An example of a dental implant placed after adding jaw structure with bone grafting
After tooth extraction, sockets with robust walls usually fill with bone in 2-3 months. Thin walls, common in front teeth, may need a bone graft to encourage regeneration for future implants.
If a tooth has been missing for years and the bony ridge is thin, a bone graft can be applied and allowed to heal for up to 6 months before implant placement. Various bone-grafting materials can be used, including your own bone.
Bone grafting may also be needed if sinus cavities in your upper jaw are large or low, encroaching into tooth-bearing areas, often after back teeth have been missing for years. A sinus grafting procedure, usually in-office with local anesthesia and sedation if needed, involves lifting the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material to restore bone height for adequate dental implants. Sometimes, this is done during implant placement.
Dr Hagar can use bone grafting to place implants for patients with inadequate bone structure. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Monday – Wednesday: From 9 AM to 5 PM
Thursday: From 8 AM to 5 PM
Friday: From 8 AM to 2 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed