The Bone Graft Procedure

The bone graft dental procedure was invented to strengthen a jaw bone. Most patients need bone grafts in preparation for a dental implant; their jaw has been naturally weakened over time due to tooth loss and will not successfully maintain a dental implant without a graft.

Thanks to modern technology, bone grafting is usually painless and minimally invasive. Our oral surgeon, Dr. Timothy Erdle and his capable assistants will begin by numbing the area completely with anesthetic. Then Dr .Timothy Erdle will make an precise incision in your gums. Then he will carefully apply bone graft material to the exposed bone. This material may have come from another part of your body, such as your chin, or it may come from a cadaver. It is infused with collagen and proteins to help your jawbone strengthen. At the end of the graft, Dr. Timothy Erdle will suture your gum tissue closed.

Over a period of time, new bone will absorb the graft and strengthen your jaw. This may take anywhere from three weeks to nine months depending on how weak your jawbone was and how much material might need to be grafted. After the bone is fully restored, we will be able to place your dental implant.

If you have any questions or concerns or are interested in such a procedure, please call Institute of Dental Implants and Periodontics in Gurnee, Illinois to book an appointment with our oral surgeon, Dr. Timothy Erdle or simply talk to a member of our friendly staff. We’re here to help!