Bone Grafting

Restoring Strength after Injury or Infection

Healing and reconstruction through bone grafting.

Restoring Strength after Injury or Infection

Healing and reconstruction through bone grafting.

Bone grafting is a common and highly effective procedure used in many types of dental and facial treatments. It can play an important role in tooth extractions, dental implant placement, facial trauma repair, correcting congenital defects, and reconstructive surgery of the mouth, face, and jaws.

When the jawbone is weakened or damaged—whether from injury, infection, or the removal of a cyst or tumor—it can affect the stability of your teeth and the natural shape of your face. Bone grafting helps restore what’s been lost by encouraging your body to naturally rebuild healthy bone. This procedure strengthens the jaw, improves comfort and function, and preserves the natural balance of your facial features.

For patients recovering from trauma, infection, or other surgical treatment, bone grafting is often an essential step in the healing process. It helps restore stability, rebuild confidence, and prepare the mouth for future dental work if needed. In implant dentistry, bone grafting provides a strong and healthy foundation for dental implants, allowing patients to chew more effectively, speak clearly, and enjoy a natural-looking smile. It not only improves oral function but also enhances appearance and quality of life.

Reconstructive Reasons

Trauma: To repair jaw defects caused by injuries, such as fractures where a significant piece of bone is lost.

Tumor Surgery: To rebuild the jaw after a tumor has been surgically removed.

Congenital Defects: To correct birth defects that affect the structure of the jaw.

Preventive and Restorative Reasons

Preventing Bone Loss: After a tooth is extracted, a graft can be placed in the socket to prevent the jawbone from shrinking.

Correcting Existing Bone Loss: To increase the height or width of a jawbone that has been reabsorbed due to tooth loss or periodontal disease.

Improving Facial Structure: To restore a more natural facial profile that may have collapsed due to significant bone loss.

Other Surgical Reasons

Dental Implants: Strengthens the jawbone to support dental implants.

Bone Diseases: To address issues like osteonecrosis (bone death) or infections.

Joint Replacement: To provide a better foundation for a new artificial jaw joint.

Types of Bone Grafting

Types of
Bone Grafting

  • Autogenous (Your Own Bone): Bone is taken from another part of your body—often the chin, jaw, or hip—and transplanted into the affected area. This is the most natural and biologically compatible type of graft.
  • Allogenic (Donor Bone): Bone from a carefully screened human donor, processed for safety. It acts as a framework for your own bone cells to grow and replace the graft.
  • Xenogenic (Animal-Derived Bone): Bone from a processed, sterilized animal source (typically bovine). It provides a natural scaffold for new bone growth.
  • Alloplastic (Synthetic Bone): A man-made graft material designed to mimic the properties of natural bone. It’s often used when only moderate rebuilding is needed.
Bone Grafting at Bothell Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery

Step-by-Step Process:

  • Consultation and Evaluation
    Your oral surgeon reviews imaging (X-rays or 3D scans) to assess the extent of bone loss and plan your treatment.
  • Treatment Planning
    A customized plan is developed based on the cause of bone loss, your health history, and the best graft type for your needs.
  • Anesthesia and Preparation
    The area is numbed for comfort. Sedation or general anesthesia may be used for more complex procedures.
  • Removal of Damaged or Infected Tissue (if needed)
    Any diseased tissue, cysts, or infection is carefully removed to create a clean environment for healing.
  • Graft Placement
    The graft material—your own bone, donor bone, or synthetic substitute—is placed into the affected area and secured.
  • Barrier or Membrane Placement (as needed)
    A thin membrane may be placed to protect the graft and guide bone growth.
  • Closure and Healing
    The gum tissue is gently repositioned and sutured over the site. Healing begins as your body integrates and replaces the graft material with natural bone.
  • Follow-Up and Monitoring
    Over several months, your surgeon monitors healing with periodic visits and imaging to ensure successful regeneration.
FAQ Bothell Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients report mild to moderate soreness for a few days after surgery. Pain is easily managed with medication and post-care instructions.

Initial healing occurs within a few weeks, but full bone regeneration typically takes 3–6 months.

You’ll start with soft foods for several days, then gradually return to your normal diet as healing progresses.

You can enjoy soft foods immediately after the procedure, and gradually transition to a regular diet as healing progresses. Your final teeth are designed for full function, so you can return to enjoying your favorite foods confidently.

Yes. Donor and synthetic grafts are rigorously tested and sterilized, and your own bone is always biocompatible. Your surgeon will discuss the safest option for your case.

Once healed, your jawbone will feel and function normally. The graft blends naturally with your existing bone.

Complications are rare but may include infection, swelling, or partial graft loss. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions helps ensure a smooth recovery.

FAQ Bothell Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery