Bone Grafting in Glendale, AZ to Restore Jaw Structure and Enable Implants
When you chew, the pressure from your tooth roots helps maintain the strength and density of your jawbone. However, once a tooth is lost, the jawbone at that site begins to shrink or lose mass. To help restore this lost bone and prepare the area for a dental implant, our oral surgeon offers bone grafting in Glendale, Arizona, and the surrounding areas. Dr. Gary K. Lines or Dr. Donald R. Hoaglin may recommend this procedure to create a stable foundation for implant placement. To find out if bone grafting is right for you, call Arizona Center for Oral Surgery at 623-931-9197 to schedule your consultation.
A bone graft is a specialized oral surgery procedure performed when the jawbone lacks the necessary thickness or density to support restorative treatments like implants. During the procedure, a piece of bone—either from another part of your jaw or body—is transplanted into the area of bone loss. While bone harvested from your own body typically yields the most successful results, synthetic materials or donor tissue from a certified tissue bank may also be used, depending on your needs. Over time, your natural bone fuses with the grafted material, rebuilding a stronger, more supportive structure.
Bone grafting is most often recommended when there is insufficient bone to support a dental implant. This loss of bone—called resorption—commonly occurs after a tooth is removed or lost and must be corrected before implant placement. In some cases, bone grafts may also be needed for periodontal treatment, particularly when bone loss has occurred due to advanced gum disease.
To learn more about the bone grafting procedure and whether it may be necessary for your treatment plan, we welcome you to contact us today. Dr. Lines, Dr. Hoaglin, and our team are dedicated to helping you restore your oral health and achieve lasting results for your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions — Bone Grafting in Glendale, AZ
1. What is a bone graft, and why might I need one at Arizona Center for Oral Surgery?
A bone graft is a procedure where bone or bone-substitute material is placed in your jaw to rebuild or strengthen bone that has been lost. It’s often needed when you don’t have enough natural jawbone volume to support a dental implant or other restorative treatment.
2. What types of bone grafting materials are used, and how safe are they?
There are several types of graft materials:
- Your own bone (autograft)
- Donor human bone (allograft)
- Animal-derived bone (xenograft)
- Synthetic bone substitutes (alloplast)
These materials are safe when used by experienced oral surgeons, and your doctor at Arizona Center for Oral Surgery will discuss which option is best for you.
3. How long is the healing time after a bone graft before I can get an implant?
Healing times depend on the size and location of the graft. Some smaller grafts may heal sufficiently in 3–4 months, while more substantial grafts may take 6-9 months (or more) before an implant can be placed.
4. What should I expect during recovery after the bone graft procedure?
You can expect some swelling, mild discomfort, and tenderness in the graft area for the first few days. It’s important to follow post-operative instructions: eat soft foods, avoid strenuous activity, keep the site clean, and attend follow-up visits. Over time, the graft material integrates with your natural bone.
5. What are the risks or complications of bone grafting, and how are they minimized?
Like any surgical procedure, bone grafting carries some risk: infection, bleeding, graft failure (rare), or nerve injury. At Arizona Center for Oral Surgery, advanced imaging, sterile technique, and individualized monitoring help minimize those risks—and your surgeon will walk you through what to look out for and how to report concerns.