Medically Reviewed by Dr. David Peto on September 9, 2026
Bone grafting can save your oral health by rebuilding jawbone that has been lost to gum disease, trauma, or a tooth extraction, restoring the foundation your remaining teeth and future dental implants need to stay stable. Without enough bone volume, teeth can loosen and shift, and implants may not have a strong enough base to integrate successfully. Bone grafting addresses that problem directly by placing graft material in the affected area so your body can rebuild bone tissue over time.
At Advanced Periodontics of N.J., we perform bone grafting as both a standalone treatment for jawbone loss and as a preparatory step before dental implant placement. Our team walks every patient through their imaging and treatment options so the reasoning behind a graft, and what it will take to get there, is always clear before any procedure begins.
How Bone Loss Happens and Why It Matters
Jawbone loss is most often triggered by one of three things: untreated gum disease, a missing tooth that was never replaced, or trauma to the jaw. Once a tooth is gone, the surrounding bone no longer receives the stimulation it needs from chewing forces, and it can begin to shrink within months. Bone grafts are a well-established response to this problem, with an estimated 2.2 million bone grafts performed worldwide each year. A large national dataset study of dental implants placed between 2014 and 2022 found a clinical success rate of nearly 98 percent among implants that included bone grafting as part of treatment, a rate statistically comparable to implants placed without grafting, according to research published on PubMed Central.
Replacing Lost Jawbone and Preserving Natural Teeth
When jawbone thins due to late-stage gum disease or long-term tooth loss, the teeth that remain lose part of their support structure and can loosen over time. Bone grafting rebuilds that foundation, giving the surrounding teeth a firmer base and reducing the risk of further loosening or loss. This is one reason we often recommend evaluating bone levels early, particularly for patients who have already been diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontal disease.
Preparing the Jaw for Dental Implants
Dental implants require a specific amount of healthy, dense bone to fuse properly during a process called osseointegration. If a patient has experienced bone loss from gum disease, an old extraction, or years without a tooth replacement, grafting may be necessary before an implant can be placed safely. In some cases, grafting happens at the same time as an extraction to prevent bone loss before it starts, a technique sometimes referred to as ridge preservation.
Types of Bone Grafting Material
Not all bone grafts use the same source material, and the right choice depends on the extent of bone loss and the treatment goal. Options include:
- Autografts: Bone taken from another site in your own body, which integrates well because there is no risk of tissue rejection.
- Allografts: Processed and sterilized bone from a donor source, often used when a larger graft volume is needed.
- Xenografts: Bone material sourced from animals and processed to be biocompatible, used as a scaffold for new bone growth.
- Synthetic (alloplastic) grafts: Lab-made materials designed to mimic natural bone structure when other graft sources are not suitable.
Your periodontist will recommend a specific graft type based on your bone density, the size of the defect, and your overall treatment plan, including whether the graft is preparing you for an implant or standing on its own to stabilize existing teeth.
What Recovery From Bone Grafting Involves
Bone grafting is typically performed under local anesthesia, and most patients experience some swelling and mild discomfort for several days afterward. The graft material is covered with a protective membrane and needs several months to fully integrate with your existing bone before further treatment, such as implant placement, can proceed. Following your periodontist’s post-operative instructions, including any guidance on diet and oral hygiene during healing, plays a significant role in how well the graft takes.
How Advanced Periodontics of N.J. Approaches Bone Grafting
Every bone grafting case starts with detailed imaging to measure exactly how much bone volume has been lost and where. From there, we build a plan that accounts for your specific goals, whether that means stabilizing existing teeth, preparing for a single implant, or supporting a larger restoration like an implant-supported bridge. We also discuss ridge preservation options with patients who are facing an upcoming extraction, since addressing bone loss immediately is often easier than rebuilding it later.
Restore Your Oral Health With Expert Bone Grafting Care
Dr. Matei and Dr. Peto bring advanced surgical training and years of clinical experience to every bone grafting case, from straightforward ridge preservation to complex reconstruction before full-arch implant treatment. Our team stays current on graft materials and technique so patients receive care based on established outcomes, not guesswork.
If you have experienced jawbone loss from gum disease, a missing tooth, or trauma, the best next step is a consultation to evaluate your bone levels and discuss whether grafting is right for you. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting
How do I know if I need a bone graft?
A periodontal evaluation with imaging is the only reliable way to measure bone volume and determine whether grafting is needed, whether that is to stabilize existing teeth or to prepare for a dental implant.
Is bone grafting painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients report mild to moderate soreness and swelling for a few days afterward, which is manageable with guidance from your periodontist.
How long does it take for a bone graft to heal before an implant can be placed?
Healing time varies by patient and graft size, but it typically takes several months for the graft to integrate with existing bone before an implant can be placed on top of it.
Can a bone graft be done at the same time as a tooth extraction?
Yes. This is often called ridge preservation, and it can prevent significant bone loss from occurring in the months after an extraction, which makes future implant placement more predictable.
Does insurance cover bone grafting procedures?
Coverage depends on your individual plan and whether the graft is tied to a covered procedure like an extraction or implant. Our team can help you understand your specific benefits before treatment begins.
About the Author
Dr. David Peto
Periodontist, Advanced Periodontics of N.J.
Dr. Peto and co-founder Dr. Matei lead Advanced Periodontics of N.J., providing individualized periodontal and implant care to patients throughout New Jersey.
