Implant Augmentation Services
If you have missing teeth, advanced bone loss, or a weakened jaw bone, you may be an ideal candidate for dental implant bone augmentation. This proven bone grafting procedure rebuilds lost bone and creates a stable foundation for future dental implant placement.
Dr. Alger performs bone augmentation procedures designed to regenerate natural bone, support long-term oral health, and ensure your new tooth implants have the strength and structure they need to function like natural teeth. Whether you’ve experienced tooth loss, gum disease, or periodontal disease, restoring bone density is an important first step toward a healthy, confident smile.
What Is Bone Augmentation?
Bone augmentation is a type of dental bone grafting that replaces missing bone with a bone graft material prepared from your own bone, a donor source, or a synthetic graft. The purpose is to encourage new bone growth where bone has deteriorated due to tooth loss, trauma, or infection.
When a tooth is lost, the alveolar bone that once supported it can begin to shrink through a process called bone resorption. Over time, this makes it difficult to place a dental implant or maintain the shape of your gumline. A carefully performed bone graft procedure restores the ridge height and width, helping your jaw regain its original contour.
During treatment, Dr. Alger creates a small opening in the gum tissue to access the area needing reinforcement. The graft material is gently placed into the site and may be covered with a thin membrane to guide healing and protect the area from soft tissue interference. The result is the formation of new bone growth that integrates seamlessly with your existing jaw bone.
How Dental Implant Bone Augmentation Works
Every patient’s treatment plan is unique. Dr. Alger evaluates the condition of your jawbone through digital imaging and clinical exams to determine the right type of bone graft and technique.
Depending on your needs, the graft may be:
- Autogenous bone graft – Using your own bone from another part of the mouth or jaw.
- Allograft or xenograft – Using bone from a tissue bank or animal source, carefully processed for safety.
- Alloplastic graft – Using a synthetic bone substitute that encourages bone regeneration.
Sometimes, platelet-rich plasma from your own body is added to the graft. This naturally occurring growth factor speeds healing, stimulates new bone formation, and helps the graft integrate more quickly. Over several months, the graft transforms into strong, living bone capable of supporting dental implants.
Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift
If you’re missing upper teeth or have reduced bone height in the upper jaw, a sinus lift procedure, also known as sinus augmentation, may be needed before implant placement. This gentle oral surgery strengthens the wall of bone between the jaw bone and maxillary sinus, ensuring a solid foundation for future dental implant surgery.
Dr. Alger carefully lifts the sinus membrane and fills the space beneath it with bone graft materials. This allows new bone to develop between the sinuses and the jaw, giving oral surgeons enough bone density to safely anchor tooth implants. The combination of sinus lift and bone augmentation helps ensure long-term stability and successful dental implant outcomes.
Healing and Recovery
Following the bone grafting procedure, the surgical site will be closed with sutures to protect the area. Patients typically experience mild soreness that subsides within a few days. Local anesthesia ensures comfort during the procedure, and most individuals can resume normal routines shortly after treatment.
Over the following months, your natural bone fuses with the graft material, creating new bone growth that reinforces the implant site. Regular check-ins allow Dr. Alger to track healing and determine when your jaw has reached the proper bone density for dental implantation.
Healing times can vary based on the amount of bone added, the surgical site, and individual healing factors, but the long-term benefits are significant. A properly healed graft leads to stronger bone, better tooth implant integration, and improved oral function.
Why Bone Augmentation Matters
Strong, healthy bone supports more than just dental implants — it supports your overall oral health. Without enough bone, even the best implant placement can fail. Bone augmentation restores the lost ridge structure, protects against future bone resorption, and helps preserve the shape of your smile.
In addition to preparing for implant placement, dental bone grafting can benefit patients with:
- Severe gum disease or periodontal disease
- Trauma-related bone loss
- Bone defects from previous extractions or infections
- The need for ridge expansion or socket preservation after tooth removal
By reinforcing your alveolar ridge, dental bone grafting provides a strong foundation for lasting implant success and helps prevent changes in facial shape caused by bone shrinkage.
The Importance of Expertise and Care
As an experienced dental specialist, Dr. Alger performs bone augmentation with precision and a focus on patient comfort. Every dental bone grafting procedure is guided by years of expertise in maxillofacial surgery, oral surgery, and periodontal care.
Our team prioritizes comfort and communication throughout each step:
- Detailed explanation of your procedure and healing expectations
- Personalized recommendations for after-care and oral hygiene
- Close follow-up to ensure proper bone regeneration and integration
Even though it sounds complex, bone grafting for dental implants is a routine, safe procedure that delivers predictable results. Most importantly, it helps patients regain the ability to eat comfortably, smile confidently, and enjoy the benefits of new teeth supported by strong, healthy bone.
Long-Term Oral Health and Maintenance
Once your dental implant bone augmentation has healed, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. Brush and floss regularly, attend scheduled cleanings, and follow your dentist’s recommendations for implant maintenance. Healthy gum tissue and stable bone structure protect both your natural teeth and dental implants from future complications.
With proper care, the results of bone augmentation can last a lifetime — providing the foundation for successful dental implants, a natural-looking smile, and optimal oral health.