Oral Surgery

Bone Grafting in Bel Air, MD: Rebuild Jawbone Lost to Tooth Loss or Disease

Jawbone loss happens faster than most people realize. After a tooth is extracted or lost, the bone beneath it begins to shrink within weeks. Gum disease and injury can accelerate this process. At Elevated Smiles Dentistry in Bel Air, MD, Dr. Joshua Englander performs bone grafting procedures to restore lost bone structure, protect your remaining teeth, and prepare the jaw for future treatment.

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Expert Care

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What Causes Jawbone Loss and Why Does It Matter?

The jawbone stays healthy because tooth roots constantly stimulate it through the pressure of chewing. When a tooth is missing, that stimulation stops and the bone begins to dissolve. Left untreated, bone loss can cause neighboring teeth to shift, the face to appear sunken or aged, and the jaw to become too weak to support a dental implant. Periodontal disease destroys bone from the outside in, and traumatic injuries can fracture or destroy sections of the jaw directly. Bone grafting is the only way to restore what has been lost.

When Is a Bone Graft Recommended After a Tooth Extraction?

When a tooth is extracted, Dr. Englander will often recommend socket preservation grafting at the same time. A graft material is placed directly into the empty socket before it is closed. This fills the void and signals the body to maintain bone volume during healing. Patients who plan to get a dental implant in the future benefit significantly from socket preservation because it keeps the implant site intact and often eliminates the need for a larger graft later. It adds minimal time or discomfort to the extraction appointment itself.

What Does the Bone Grafting Procedure Involve?

Dr. Englander performs bone grafting under local anesthesia, and sedation is available for patients who prefer it. The area is thoroughly numbed before any incision is made. He gently opens the gum tissue to expose the bone, cleans the area, and places the graft material. The site is closed with sutures and covered with a collagen membrane in some cases to protect the graft as it heals. Most procedures take under an hour. Discomfort afterward is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and usually resolves within a week.

How Long Does It Take for a Bone Graft to Heal?

Socket preservation grafts after simple extractions typically integrate within three to four months. Larger grafts for ridge reconstruction or preparation for multiple implants may take four to six months or more. Dr. Englander uses cone beam 3D imaging to monitor healing and confirm when sufficient bone density has been achieved. Rushing this stage compromises the result, so the timeline is determined by biology rather than scheduling preference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting

Is a bone graft always needed after a tooth extraction?

Not always. It depends on the location of the tooth, how much bone is present, and what your future treatment plans are. Dr. Englander will advise you at your extraction appointment whether socket preservation is recommended.

What is the bone graft material made of?

Options include your own bone harvested from another area of your jaw, processed donor bone from a certified bone bank, or synthetic bone substitute materials. All options are safe, sterile, and effective. Dr. Englander will recommend the best choice for your case.

Can I eat normally after a bone graft?

Stick to soft foods for the first week and avoid the surgical area when chewing. Gradually reintroduce normal foods as healing progresses and Dr. Englander gives you clearance.

Will a bone graft leave a visible scar?

No. All incisions are made inside the mouth and the gum tissue heals without any visible external scarring.

Does insurance cover bone grafting?

Coverage depends on your plan and the reason for the graft. Some plans cover it as a medical necessity following extraction or trauma. Our team will check your benefits and explain your out-of-pocket costs before scheduling.
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