What to Know About Bone Grafting Before Getting Dental Implants

Dental implants are a reliable and long-lasting way to replace missing teeth. They restore your smile’s appearance and improve your ability to chew and speak with confidence. However, not everyone is immediately ready for implants. If your jawbone isn’t thick or strong enough to support the implant, you may need a procedure called bone grafting first. 

What Are Dental Implants, and How Do They Work?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible titanium. They are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone over time through a process called osseointegration. This creates a stable base for a crown, bridge, or denture that looks and functions like a natural tooth.

An implant typically consists of three parts:

• The implant post (placed in the jawbone)
• The abutment (connector between the implant and crown)
• The dental crown (the visible tooth replacement)

Dental implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth or even support full-arch restorations. Because they integrate directly with the bone, they offer unmatched stability and preserve your jaw’s structure—something that traditional bridges or dentures cannot do.

What to Know About Bone Grafting Before Getting Dental Implants

To successfully support an implant, your jawbone must be healthy and have enough volume. Tooth loss, gum disease, trauma, or long-term denture use can all lead to bone deterioration over time. If the jawbone is too thin or soft, it won’t be able to hold the implant securely.

Bone grafting solves this problem by rebuilding and strengthening the jawbone. The graft can be made from:

• Your own bone (autograft)
• Donor bone (allograft)
• Synthetic materials or bone substitutes

During the procedure, your oral surgeon places the graft in the area of bone loss. Over the next few months, your body naturally grows new bone around the graft, creating a stronger foundation for dental implants.

Is Bone Grafting Permanent?

Yes—bone grafting is considered a permanent solution for restoring lost bone in the jaw. Once the graft integrates with your natural bone and full healing occurs, the newly formed bone is just as stable and strong as the original. This allows it to support a dental implant long-term.

The success of bone grafting depends on several factors, including:

• Your overall health
• The extent of bone loss
• Your body’s ability to heal
• Following post-operative care instructions

Patients who smoke, have uncontrolled diabetes, or have poor oral hygiene may have a higher risk of complications or graft failure. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Many adults with missing teeth are good candidates for dental implants. Ideal candidates typically:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have healthy gums
• Have adequate bone structure (or are willing to undergo grafting)
• Are in good overall health
• Don’t smoke or are committed to quitting

Even if you’ve been told in the past that you weren’t a candidate due to bone loss, modern techniques like bone grafting have expanded implant eligibility to more people than ever before.

At Faces Fort Worth, our team will evaluate your oral health and bone structure through digital imaging and 3D scans. If bone grafting is necessary, we’ll walk you through the process step by step and ensure you’re fully prepared for the journey to a stronger, more confident smile.

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about bone grafting before dental implants, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Faces Fort Worth. Call us at (817) 927-1818 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.