Bone Grafting for Dental Implants Lake Charles LA

Do I have enough bone for dental implants?

After tooth extraction, if the walls of the socket are very thick, they will usually fill naturally with bone in two to three months. However, when the walls of your socket are very thin (such as in your upper and lower front teeth), this type of healing will not be as predictable. In these situations, a bone graft is often placed at the time of tooth extraction to help your body fill in the empty socket with bone. This step will maintain the width and volume of bone you will need for implant placement several months later.

An example of a jaw with inadequate front bone structure to support an implant
1. Inadequate Bone
A depiction of the placed bone grafting material to increase the bone structure
2. Graft Material Placed
A representation of dental implants placed after bone grafting
3. Implants Placed

There may be inadequate bone for implant placement if your tooth was removed many years ago and your bony ridge is extremely thin. In this case, a bone graft can be placed next to the thin bone and allowed to heal for up to six months. After the graft has fused to your pre-existing bone, the ridge will be re-entered and the implant placed. Bone grafting is usually a relatively comfortable office procedure. Many different bone-grafting materials are available, including your own bone.

A jaw lacking enough bone in the back of the mouth for a dental implant
1. Inadequate Bone
An example of a dental implant after adding jaw structure with bone grafting
2. Graft Material and Implant Placed

You may also need bone grafting if the sinus cavities in your upper jaw are very large, or very low, and extend into the tooth-bearing areas. This often occurs when teeth in the back of a person’s upper jaw have been removed many years before, and the amount of bone available for implant placement is limited. A “sinus grafting procedure” is then required. Most often, it is performed in the office with local anesthesia and perhaps sedation. During this procedure, the membrane that lines the sinus will be located and elevated. Bone will then be added to restore the bone height and ensure that dental implants of an adequate length can be placed. This procedure often can be performed at the time of implant placement.

Do You Need a Bone Grafting Procedure?

Drs. Boudreaux or Fisher can utilize bone grafts to make your jawbone more suitable for the placement of dental implants, as well as repair defects of the jaws. Contact us today!

Call us: 337-478-0468

Lake Charles Oral Surgery Specialists

5 out of 5 stars based on 28 Bone Grafting for Implants reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Everybody was professional and extremely friendly. I would highly recommend them. Also, I just like to that I've never had a doctor to check on me

- Gerald B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very friendly and efficient staff. Dr Boudreaux was great and took the time to explain everything to me.

- Jobn B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Nice staff and nice dr b

- Eric H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Thanks to everyone for an excellent job in making this dental experience as positive as possible. I was very surprised and appreciative of Dr. Boudreaux’s phone call to check on me. Because I have osteoporosis, I was very happy to learn about their procedure to maximize my ability to heal. God bless!

- Harlan M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

They utilize outstanding technology and talent and take the time to explain the steps that be taken.

- David R

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

This is my second implant through thus office. Very satisfied .

- Ronald F

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Have had exactly...zero...post op issues bleeding stopped a couple hours after surgery Friday morning. took one regular-strength tylenol friday afternoon...that' been it woke up saturday morning.....zero discomfort woke up sunday morning...zero discomfort couldn't be more pleased. Thank you Dr. Boudreaux...You are the Man To See for any heavy lifting with teeth!!

- David G

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Exceptional service !

- Michael W

5 out of 5 stars on