What Is a Bone Graft After Tooth Extraction?

Sep 22

If you have a cracked, damaged, or decayed tooth, you might assume that an extraction is the end of the treatment line, but that’s rarely the case. This guide will cover why your dentist might recommend a bone graft after a tooth extraction and what you can expect during the recovery process.

What is a bone graft after a tooth extraction?

Also known as socket preservation or ridge preservation, a bone graft is a surgical procedure in which a material, such as synthetic or natural bone, is placed into the socket left behind after tooth removal.

What happens during the bone grafting procedure?

Let’s walk through the steps of a typical grafting surgery:

Tooth extraction: Your dentist or surgeon extracts the tooth and cleans the socket to remove debris, tissue, and bacteria.
Placement of graft material: Bone replacement material is placed into the empty socket.
Membrane placement (optional): A protective membrane is placed over the graft to stabilize the material and encourage healing.
Closure: Your provider will close the wound with stitches or a collagen plug and protect the area with gauze.
Healing: In the following months, your body will grow new bone around the graft material, eventually replacing it with natural bone.

How common are bone grafts after extractions?

Bone grafts are incredibly common after extractions, especially when the patient is at risk of bone loss or plans to replace the original teeth with dental implants. In fact, it’s a standard step of every tooth extraction in many practices.

Are there different types of dental bone grafts?

dentist teeth model, bone graft after tooth extraction

Yes! There are several types of bone grafts that vary primarily by material:

Autograft: Bone transplant from your own body.
Allograft: Bone from a human donor.
Xenograft: Animal-derived bone.
Alloplast: Synthetic bone replacement.

Keep in mind that grafting material of any type may come in various forms, including powder, putty, strips, blocks, or injections.

Importance of bone grafting after tooth extraction

When a tooth is extracted, your gums and jaw will no longer receive the stimulation that previously kept them in shape. Here’s how a bone graft after a tooth extraction can prevent bone loss and protect your oral health:

Keeps adjacent teeth from shifting

When a tooth is removed but not replaced promptly, the surrounding teeth may shift into the open space, leading to bite problems, misalignment, and uneven wear. A bone graft preserves the original structure of the jaw after tooth extraction, maintaining the space and stabilizing nearby teeth.

Prevents jawbone deterioration

Every time you chew or bite down, your tooth roots stimulate your jawbone. You might think of it as a gentle nudge, reminding the jaw it has an important job to do. After an extraction, your bone no longer receives those signals and begins to dissolve. Over time, this can lead to serious structural concerns and give your mouth a shrunken appearance.

The effects of an extraction may be amplified when a molar is removed. Lower molars affect substantial bone tissue, so deterioration can be severe. When an upper molar is extracted, you may require additional surgeries to repair bone loss around your sinus cavity. A bone graft after a tooth extraction helps stop and reverse bone loss, preserving bone density.

Enables dental implants

Just like your natural teeth, dental implants rely on a healthy jawbone to stay in place. Performing a bone graft alongside an extraction can build this tissue to the ideal size and help ensure a successful implant placement.

Promotes natural healing

Whether natural or synthetic, grafting material stimulates your body’s regenerative superpowers. This helps build up your own natural bone tissue at the extraction site.

Supports future dental treatments

You may not be ready for a replacement tooth right away, but a bone graft after a tooth extraction will set the stage for eventual treatments, such as implants, bridges, partial dentures, and even orthodontic solutions.

Recovering with a bone graft after tooth extraction

Following your bone graft after tooth extraction, you’ll need to take certain steps to promote proper healing.

What’s the recovery timeline for a bone graft?

Pain, swelling, and minor bleeding are common in the early stages of the healing process. You can expect stitches to dissolve within seven to 10 days. Most people return to their normal activities two to three days after a tooth extraction and bone graft, taking care to avoid strenuous exertion.

Over the next three months, the graft material will begin to integrate with your natural bone. Your jawbone will gradually fill in and become denser. Full bone regeneration should occur within four to six months, at which point you’re eligible for a dental implant. However, this process may take longer for patients with significant bone loss before the grafting procedure.

Caring for a bone graft after tooth extraction

After your extraction and grafting procedure, essential aftercare practices include:

Don’t disturb the extraction site with your tongue or fingers.
Use ice packs to manage swelling.
Eat only soft foods for the first few days.
Keep your mouth clean, but avoid brushing directly over the site.
Gently rinse with salt water or prescribed mouthwash.
Don’t spit, smoke, or use straws to avoid a dry socket.
Take all prescribed medications as instructed.

What are the potential complications of bone grafting?

Infections, graft rejections, and graft exposures are rare, but can occur. Watch out for symptoms that may indicate potential complications, including persistent pain, swelling, pus, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist with any concerns.

Coral Reef Dental is here to support you on the path to better oral health!

Coral Reef Dental is here to help you better understand your own oral health and prepare for upcoming procedures, including extractions and bone grafts. Contact us today for more info and to schedule your appointment.

Dr. Paul Caputo