1720 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview, IL - 60025
Rebuild the Foundation for a Healthy Smile
When a tooth is lost or removed, the jawbone in that area can begin to shrink over time. Bone grafting is a restorative procedure that rebuilds and strengthens the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for future dental implants and preserving the natural structure of your face.
At Glance Dental, Dr. Joseph Akhikar and our team provide advanced bone grafting procedures to help patients restore lost bone and prepare for successful implant treatment. Whether you recently lost a tooth or have experienced bone loss over time, bone grafting can help rebuild the support your smile needs.
What is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a procedure that replaces missing or weakened bone in the jaw with graft material that encourages the body to regenerate new, healthy bone.
This treatment is often performed after a tooth extraction or in areas where a tooth has been missing for some time. The graft material stimulates natural bone growth, allowing the jawbone to regain the width and density needed to support dental implants and maintain facial structure.
Once healing is complete, the area becomes strong enough to support a dental implant or other restorative treatment.
Types of Bone Graft Materials
A graft helps the body replace the missing tooth root area with strong, healthy bone. There are different types of graft materials, an autograft (self), a cadaver, and a synthetic graft. There are also different methods of placing a graft depending on the quality of bone, the surgical area, and other factors. Talk to your doctor about what type of graft is right for you. After the graft is placed, it is covered with a tissue membrane and sutured.
When is a Bone Graft Needed?
A bone graft may be recommended in several situations, including:
After Tooth Extraction
Placing a graft immediately after a tooth is removed helps preserve bone volume and prepares the site for a future implant.
Before Dental Implants
If the jawbone is too thin or weak to support an implant, grafting can rebuild the necessary structure.
Long-Term Tooth Loss
When teeth have been missing for years, bone loss can occur. Bone grafting restores bone so implants can be placed successfully.
Advanced Gum Disease
Periodontal disease can destroy bone around the teeth. Bone grafting can help rebuild lost bone and stabilize oral health.
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
Dental implants require strong, healthy jawbone for long-term success. Bone grafting ensures that the implant has enough support to function like a natural tooth.
Because Dr. Akhikar is a board-certified dental implant expert, bone grafting and implant procedures can often be completed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan at the same practice. This allows patients to receive advanced implant care in one convenient location.