What Is a Dental Bone Graft?
When it comes to your dental health, you might not think beyond your teeth and gums. In fact, your jawbone's strength is also a major part of your overall oral health. If your jawbone is weakened from missing teeth or physical trauma, you may need to get a bone graft so the jaw can properly fit both your natural teeth and dental implants. Bone grafting, also known as osseous surgery, helps to augment and rebuild your jawbone so it is dense enough to hold an implant. At Coyne Oral Surgery, we perform dental bone grafts to help patients prepare for implant surgery or to provide support for the jaw after a tooth extraction. To learn if you may benefit from bone grafting surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cathleen Coyne at our dental office in Franklin, TN today.
How Does A Dental Bone Graft Work?
The exact details of your bone graft surgery will depend on where the graft tissue is taken from and how much is needed. You may have bone taken from one area of your body, such as the shin, chin, or hip, which is known as an autograft. This may be completed in our Franklin, TN office with sedation and local anesthesia, or at an accredited surgical facility using general anesthesia. There are also other graft options, including an allograft (which uses donor tissue from another person), a xenograft (which uses tissue from an animal), or a synthetic bone graft/alloplast. During your consultation, Dr. Coyne will discuss your grafting options and help you determine the best choice for your needs.
As soon as the graft is ready, Dr. Coyne will prepare the areas being treated and place an incision through the gum tissue to expose the bone. The prepared graft will be affixed to your jawbone with proteins and collagen that encourage the graft to attach and grow. The incision will be stitched closed and the mouth will be cleaned. Depending on the complexity of your bone graft, it may take anywhere from 3 – 12 months to fully heal and integrate with your jaw. To ensure the smoothest and quickest healing process, you should follow Dr. Coyne's aftercare instructions, which include getting plenty of rest and sticking to a diet that won't irritate your mouth.
What Are the Benefits of Bone Grafting?
A dental bone graft may just save your jaw from further damage if you're missing one or more teeth. This procedure is often a necessary first step when it comes to installing dental implants or repairing damage to the mouth after an injury. Some of the advantages of choosing Coyne Oral Surgery for your bone graft include:
- Provides a strong foundation for implants and dentures
- Supports better overall oral health
- Helps protect the jawbone and teeth from additional damage
- Enhances your appearance, giving you a more natural look
- Slows down jawbone loss and degeneration
- Helps maintain facial structure, preventing a sunken appearance
Coyne Oral Surgery Reviews
He is a very gentle and kind dentist. I highly recommend this place.
I had a wonderful experience at Coyne Center. Four wisdom teeth extracted at 71 years old. High anxiety as I anticipated the appointment, but the staff made me feel at ease through the whole process. They're the best!
Amazing!! Highly recommend. Fantastic people.
If I could give this place 10 stars, I would. I have severe anxiety with any and all dentistry and I needed several teeth extracted in a hurry. They got me in within the week and talked me through the needed work and suggested several helpful tips. They worked with our insurance and limited funds. Ashley and Marlena were so kind, sweet, and helpful. Dr. Coyne was very kind as well, including helping with meds that the pharmacy "didn't get" after office hours but before the pharmacy closed. I will recommend them to everyone I can from now on.
I cannot thank Coyne Oral Surgery enough for the incredible care they provided my nephew! He was in agonizing pain from an infected tooth, and they managed to get him in for a same-day appointment, which was a total lifesaver.From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was different than most medical offices. In a world where everywhere feels "corporate" or focused on "upselling," this practice is a breath of fresh air. You can tell the staff truly cares about the patients, not just the bottom line.A special shout-out to Marlena and Layla—they were extra sweet, gentle, and incredibly helpful through the entire process, from check-in to post-surgery care. They made a stressful situation so much easier.If you want an office that treats you like a person and provides top-tier care, this is the place!
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Am I A Candidate for Bone Grafting?
You may have a weak jawbone due to oral diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis, or after dental trauma to the mouth or jaw. The jawbone can begin atrophy when a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth are not treated, or when tooth replacement relies on a removable or cemented restoration instead of a dental implant. A bone grafting procedure helps rebuild lost bone, supports jawbone regeneration, and prepares the area for successful dental implant placement, though patience is required during healing. Some bone graft procedures can take several months to complete, but the result is a stronger, healthier jaw that supports both your dental implants and natural teeth, promoting improved oral health and long-term mouth stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bone grafting painful?
Bone grafting is performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel any discomfort during surgery. Afterward, it’s normal to experience some swelling, soreness, or mild discomfort as the area heals. Dr. Coyne will provide detailed aftercare instructions and may recommend medications to manage pain. Most patients find recovery manageable and worth the results of a stronger, healthier jaw.
How do I prepare for bone grafting?
To prepare for bone grafting surgery, you should follow any pre-operative instructions provided by Coyne Oral Surgery. This may include avoiding certain medications and arranging for someone to drive you home afterward, especially if sedation is used. We will also discuss your medical history and make sure you are in good health to undergo the procedure.
How can I make bone graft recovery as smooth as possible?
To ensure a smooth recovery after bone graft surgery in Franklin, TN, keep the surgical site clean, avoid smoking or using tobacco products, and stick to soft foods that won’t irritate your mouth. Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and take any prescribed medications as directed. Regular follow-up appointments will also help monitor your progress and ensure everything is on track.
Support Your Jaw with Bone Grafting
If you're looking to strengthen your jaw to support both dental implants and your natural teeth, bone graft surgery at Coyne Oral Surgery can help. During your visit with Dr. Coyne, you'll get the chance to discuss your options and receive a customized plan that's focused on improving your jaw health. Give us a call in Franklin, TN to arrange your appointment today.