Dental bone grafting is a procedure used to rebuild areas of the jaw that have lost bone density, height, or width. Bone graft material is placed in the affected area to create a stronger foundation for your remaining teeth, dentures, bridges, or dental implants.

You may need bone grafting if your jaw has lost bone because of missing teeth, gum disease, infection, trauma, or a previous tooth extraction. Restoring the lost bone can help protect your oral health, preserve your facial structure, and make future tooth replacement possible.

Not every dental implant patient needs bone grafting. A graft may be recommended when there isn't enough healthy jawbone to securely support an implant. Your dentist evaluates your bone structure using detailed imaging and determines whether grafting should be part of your treatment plan.

The treatment area is numbed, and bone graft material is placed where additional bone is needed. The area is then protected while your body heals and incorporates the graft. The exact technique depends on the location and extent of your bone loss.

The treatment area is numbed before the procedure, and anesthesia or sedation options may be available to help you stay comfortable. Mild soreness, swelling, or tenderness is common afterward, but these symptoms generally improve as the area heals.

Initial healing usually occurs over the first few weeks, but the graft may need several months to fully integrate with your jawbone. Healing time varies based on the size and location of the graft, the procedure performed, your overall health, and whether the graft is preparing the area for a dental implant.

You'll generally need to eat soft foods and avoid chewing directly over the grafted area during early recovery. Foods like yogurt, eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies eaten with a spoon, and soft pasta are usually appropriate. Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or very hot foods until your dentist says they're safe.

Strenuous exercise should usually be avoided for the first several days, since it can increase swelling, bleeding, or discomfort. Your dentist gives you specific instructions based on the type of graft performed and how your recovery is progressing.

Contact our team if you experience worsening pain or swelling, persistent bleeding, fever, drainage, a bad taste that doesn't improve, or graft material becoming exposed. Small particles of graft material may occasionally appear during healing, but your dentist should evaluate any concerns.

Cost depends on the type and size of the graft, the material used, the treatment location, sedation, and whether other procedures are completed at the same time. You'll receive a personalized estimate after your examination and imaging.

Jawbone loss can continue after a tooth is removed or lost. Over time, this can affect nearby teeth, change facial support, make dentures less stable, and reduce the bone available for dental implants. Bone grafting can help preserve or rebuild this important foundation.

The best way to find out is through a clinical exam and detailed dental imaging. Our Meridian team can assess your jawbone, discuss your tooth-replacement goals, and build a personalized treatment plan, whether you're coming from Meridian, Boise, or elsewhere in the Treasure Valley.