Bone Grafts

Ridge Preservation

In many cases, particularly if you are interested in a dental implant in the future, Dr. Pope will recommend a bone graft at the time of extraction.  The jaw bone will typically go through a very rapid resorption process following extraction of a tooth. In order to prevent this loss of bone volume, a bone graft is placed into the socket the day of the extraction. Typically, the bone graft is covered with a membrane (similar to a Band-Aid) to cover and protect the bone graft.  Depending on the type of bone loss, the membrane may dissolve on its own, or Dr. Pope may remove the membrane 3-6 weeks following the extraction.  Bone grafts require 4-6 months of healing before the implant can be placed.

Three side-by-side illustrations show a tooth: first with an empty root canal, second filled with a white material, and third with a healed, solid interior, demonstrating the stages of a root canal treatment.

Ridge Augmentation

When a tooth (or teeth) have been missing for an extended period of time, a moderate amount of bone loss and jaw resorption can occur.  Bone grafts can be performed to regrow lost bone.  These grafts will typically take 6 months to heal before dental implants can be placed.

A close-up of the upper gums and teeth inside a mouth, showing missing upper front teeth and inflamed, swollen gums with a pale, irregular patch along the gumline.Close-up of a persons upper gums showing missing front teeth, with only a few natural teeth remaining on either side. The gums appear healthy but toothless in the center.
Close-up of an upper jaw with missing front teeth, showing natural gums and four remaining teeth at the corners; mouth is open widely for dental examination.Close-up view of the upper jaw inside a persons mouth, showing healthy gums, teeth on both sides, and an edentulous (toothless) upper ridge, possibly for dental examination or prosthetic planning.

Use slider to view Before/After images

Sinus Lift

Frequently, missing teeth in the back upper jaw will require a sinus lift.  This is a relatively routine procedure and is regularly performed with local anesthetic only.  In many cases, even if a bone graft has been performed, the sinus will drop.  In most cases, the sinus can be “pushed back up” at the time of implant placement.  In more advanced cases, a bone graft will need to be placed in the sinus and allowed to heal for 6 months prior to implant placement.

Three dental X-rays showing teeth: the first image shows missing tooth space, the second shows sinus lift procedure, and the third shows a dental implant placed with surrounding teeth visible.

Initial, Sinus Lift & 6-Month Post Op