Oral Surgery

Bone Grafting

Restore jawbone strength and volume to support dental implants or preserve your facial structure after tooth loss.

Detailed image of a human skull showcasing dental structure and alignment in a medical context.

What Is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that rebuilds or strengthens the jawbone when it has been weakened by tooth loss, gum disease, or injury. The procedure involves placing bone material—either from your own body, a donor source, or a synthetic substitute—into areas where bone has deteriorated.

Over time, this graft material integrates with your natural bone, creating a strong foundation for dental implants or helping preserve your facial structure.

Why You Might Need a Bone Graft

When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate because it no longer receives stimulation from the tooth root. Without intervention, this bone loss can:

Make it impossible to place dental implants
Cause your facial structure to change or sag
Weaken neighboring teeth
Limit your options for tooth replacement

A bone graft restores the bone you've lost, opening the door to implants and helping you maintain a healthy, youthful facial appearance.

Our Approach

We understand that oral surgery can feel overwhelming. At Atlantic Smiles, we take time to explain every step of the process and answer all your questions before we begin. We use modern techniques and sedation options to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

Most bone grafts are performed right here in our Egg Harbor Township office. Depending on the extent of bone loss, the graft may heal in as little as three to six months, at which point you'll be ready for implant placement or other restorative work.

What to Expect

After your bone graft, you may experience mild swelling and discomfort for a few days. We'll provide detailed aftercare instructions and pain management recommendations to help you heal smoothly. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, though the bone itself continues to strengthen over the following months.

We'll monitor your healing closely and let you know when the graft has fully integrated and you're ready for the next step in your treatment plan.

How it works

Consultation & Imaging

We'll take 3D scans or X-rays to assess your bone density and determine the best grafting approach for your situation.

Graft Placement

Under local anesthesia or sedation, we carefully place the bone graft material where it's needed and secure it in position.

Healing Period

Over the next several months, the graft integrates with your natural bone, building strength and volume.

Implant or Restoration

Once fully healed, you'll be ready for dental implant placement or other restorative procedures.

Common questions

Does bone grafting hurt?+

The procedure itself is performed under anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during the graft. Afterward, most patients experience mild discomfort similar to other dental procedures, which can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication. Swelling and tenderness typically subside within a few days.

How long does it take for a bone graft to heal?+

Healing time varies depending on the size and location of the graft, but most bone grafts take three to six months to fully integrate with your natural bone. We'll monitor your progress and let you know when you're ready for the next phase of treatment.

Can I get a bone graft and implant at the same time?+

In some cases, yes—if you have enough existing bone to stabilize the implant, we may be able to place a smaller graft and the implant together. For more extensive bone loss, we'll complete the graft first and place the implant once the bone has fully healed.

Get in touch — Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Ready when you are — let's get you smiling.

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