Bone Grafting
Cambridge & Burlington, MA

Bone grafting is a form of reconstructive surgery that addresses defects in the jaw by rebuilding bone. The most common reasons for bone grafting include:

• Congenital defects
• Trauma
• Removal of a tumor
• Tooth loss or gum disease, which often causes jawbone loss

Bone grafts can be taken from a patient’s own bone or donated bone; in some cases, synthetic bone grafts may be used. Bone grafting procedures are classified as minor or major:

• Minor bone grafting is most commonly used to increase bone density prior to the placement of dental implants. Without sufficient jawbone support, dental implants are at a higher risk of failure, so bone grafting is often recommended several months before implant surgery. Minor bone grafting procedures like socket preservation and ridge augmentation are performed in our office, and require only a small incision in the gum tissue. After 4 to 6 months of healing time, most patients are ready to proceed with dental implant surgery.

• Major bone grafting is performed in a hospital setting. This type of procedure is often used to address congenital defects and may require grafting material from the skull or hip.

Oral & Facial Surgery Centers of Massachusetts provide bone grafting in Burlington and Cambridge, MA. Call today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

During your consultation at our office, we’ll be able to determine if you’re a candidate for bone grafting based on your exam, imaging, and medical history.

Here’s why patients choose our oral surgery practice for bone grafting:

• We offer platelet-rich growth factor to enhance the results of bone grafting procedures.
• Our office has state-of-the-art 3D cone-beam CT scan imaging and digital intraoral scanning equipment for more accurate planning and monitoring.
• Each of our doctors is board-certified, so you can feel confident knowing you’re getting expert care.
• We always put our patients first with individualized, professional, and compassionate treatment.

Can I get a dental implant without a bone graft?

If you haven’t experienced any bone loss in the jaw, you can have a dental implant placed without a bone graft. There are also some alternative dental implant procedures that require less jaw support; these can often be performed without bone grafting.

Is a bone grafting procedure painful?

No, your bone grafting procedure will not be painful. We use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during your appointment. In the hours after your procedure, the anesthesia will wear off and you’re likely to have some tenderness and discomfort at the site, but this is usually minor and can be managed with over-the-counter medication.

Is bone grafting a major surgery?

Most of the time, bone grafting is a minor surgical procedure that can be performed in our offices in Burlington or Cambridge. If you need more extensive bone grafting, it may be considered a major surgery, in which case it will be performed at a local hospital.

Can my body reject a bone graft?

Bone grafts are not living tissue, so they can’t be rejected. It is possible for bone grafts to fail, but this is usually the result of infection.

Am I put to sleep for a bone graft?

If you don’t have any underlying health conditions, we can provide IV sedation during a minor bone grafting procedure, which allows you to feel as if you’re sleeping; major bone grafting procedures are typically performed with general anesthesia.

Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.