Exceptional service with an uncompromising commitment to the highest level of care.
Philadelphia Office: Philadelphia PA Periodontics Office Phone Number215-985-4337 | 1520 Locust Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia , PA 19102 |
Philadelphia Office: Philadelphia PA Periodontics Office Phone Number215-985-4337| 1520 Locust Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia , PA 19102 |
About Bone Grafting
What Is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a restorative surgical procedure that uses natural or synthetic materials to rebuild bone tissue in areas where it has been lost or resorbed. At Laudenbach Periodontics & Dental Implants, our periodontists perform bone grafting to create a stable, healthy foundation for dental implant placement while stimulating new bone growth in the treated area. Over time, the jaw bone associated with missing teeth atrophies and is gradually reabsorbed. This deterioration often leaves patients with insufficient bone quality and volume to support the placement of dental implants — without intervention, many patients simply are not candidates for this life-changing treatment.
With modern bone grafting procedures, Dr. Laudenbach, Dr. Slauch, and Dr. Bhavsar can not only replace lost bone but actively promote new bone formation at the treatment site. This creates the opportunity to place implants of appropriate length and width, restoring both chewing function and natural facial structure. Research published through the National Institutes of Health found that dental implants placed with simultaneous bone grafting achieved a clinical success rate of 97.83% across more than 45,000 procedures — confirming bone augmentation as a highly predictable, proven treatment pathway.
When Is Bone Grafting Necessary?
Not every patient with tooth loss requires a bone graft, but several common situations make the procedure necessary before implant placement or other periodontal treatments can succeed.
Dental Implant Preparation
Dental implants require sufficient healthy jawbone to anchor securely. Patients who have experienced bone loss due to prolonged tooth absence, advanced periodontal disease, or tooth extraction may need bone grafting to ensure the long-term stability of their implants.
Advanced Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Severe gum disease often causes the gradual deterioration of the jawbone that supports teeth. Bone grafting can restore bone strength and structure, aiding in tooth preservation and supporting recovery of overall oral health.
Following Tooth Extractions
When a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone begins to shrink almost immediately. Socket preservation and ridge augmentation procedures performed at the time of extraction help prevent this bone loss and maintain the jawbone’s integrity for future implant treatment.
Recovery from Oral Trauma or Injury
Injuries to the jaw can result in significant bone loss that affects both function and appearance. Bone grafting procedures help rebuild affected areas so normal bite function and facial structure can be restored.
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Benefits of Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
Bone grafting procedures offer significant advantages for patients considering dental implant treatment. By rebuilding adequate bone volume, these techniques expand treatment options for patients who would otherwise be ineligible for implant placement. The procedure also helps preserve facial structure and prevent the further bone loss that naturally accelerates after tooth extraction.
Successful bone grafting enables the placement of properly sized implants in optimal positions, contributing to better long-term stability and natural-looking results. Patients can expect improved chewing function, speech clarity, and renewed confidence in their smile. For patients with severe bone loss, procedures like ridge augmentation and sinus augmentation can make implants possible even in the most challenging anatomical situations.
Types of Bone Grafts
Understanding the different types of bone grafting materials helps patients make informed decisions about their treatment options. Each type offers specific benefits depending on the patient’s individual needs, medical history, and treatment goals. Our periodontists carefully review all options with you during your consultation.
Autogenous Bone Grafts
Autogenous bone grafts — also known as autografts — are made from your own bone, typically harvested from the chin, jaw, lower leg, hip, or skull. Because the graft material is living bone containing active cellular elements, autografts offer the strongest potential for new bone growth and integration. The key trade-off is that a second surgical site is required to harvest the donor bone.
Allogenic Bone
Allogenic bone, or allograft, is donor bone harvested from a cadaver and processed through a freeze-dry method to remove water and reduce immune rejection risk. Allogenic bone does not produce new bone on its own — instead, it serves as a scaffold over which surrounding bone can grow and fill the treatment area. This approach eliminates the need for a second harvest procedure.
Xenogenic Bone
Xenogenic bone is derived from non-living bone of another species — most commonly bovine (cow). The bone is processed at very high temperatures to remove any potential for immune rejection or contamination. Like allogenic grafts, xenogenic grafts function as a framework that guides the body’s own bone to grow into the void. Both allogenic and xenogenic options offer the advantage of avoiding a second harvest site, though bone regeneration may be somewhat slower and less predictable than with autografts.
Bone Graft Substitutes
As an alternative to natural bone, a range of well-studied synthetic materials are available that are safe, effective, and widely used in periodontal practices. These include:
- Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) — processed allograft bone containing collagen, proteins, and growth factors; available in powder, putty, chips, or injectable gel form
- Graft composites — combinations of bone graft materials and growth factors, including collagen/ceramic composites, DBM combined with bone marrow cells, or collagen/ceramic/autograft blends
- Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) — naturally occurring proteins that promote and regulate bone formation and healing
These synthetic materials offer the important advantage of not requiring a second surgical site for bone harvest, which reduces overall treatment complexity and patient discomfort.
The Bone Grafting Procedure: What to Expect
The bone grafting process at Laudenbach Periodontics is thorough and patient-centered, beginning well before the procedure itself.
Consultation and Advanced Imaging
Dr. Laudenbach, Dr. Slauch, or Dr. Bhavsar will conduct a detailed examination using advanced 3D imaging technology, including Cone Beam CT scanning. This assessment evaluates bone quality, quantity, and anatomy to determine the most appropriate grafting approach for your specific situation.
The Grafting Procedure
On the day of your procedure, the treatment area is numbed with local anesthetic — sedation options are also available for patients who prefer a more relaxed experience. An incision is made to access the jaw, the graft material is carefully positioned in the deficient area, and a protective membrane is placed over the graft to support healing. The gum tissue is then sutured closed. Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure.
Healing and Bone Integration
Following the procedure, your body gradually integrates the graft material, forming new healthy bone. Initial healing typically takes one to two weeks. Full bone maturation — the point at which the site is ready for implant placement — generally takes three to six months, though larger grafts may require up to twelve months. Normal post-operative side effects include mild tenderness, swelling, and bruising, which typically resolve within the first week or two.
Implant Placement
Once the grafted area has fully healed and sufficient bone density is confirmed, dental implant placement can proceed. This strengthened foundation is what allows implants to function and feel just like natural teeth over the long term.
Advanced Bone Grafting Techniques at Laudenbach Periodontics
Our periodontal team utilizes state-of-the-art bone grafting techniques tailored to each patient’s specific needs and treatment goals. We carefully evaluate bone quality, quantity, and anatomical considerations to determine the most appropriate grafting approach for optimal implant success. Each bone grafting option carries its own risks and benefits, and our experienced team works closely with every patient to identify the best path forward.
If you have been told that bone loss disqualifies you from dental implants, our Philadelphia-area practice may be able to help. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and find out whether bone grafting can restore your candidacy for a permanent implant restoration. We serve patients throughout the Philadelphia metro area, including Newtown Square, Haverford, Broomall, Villanova, Gladwyne, and Cherry Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting
How long does it take to recover from a bone graft?
Initial healing after a bone grafting procedure takes approximately one to two weeks. However, full bone maturation — when the grafted bone has solidified enough to support a dental implant — typically takes three to six months. Larger grafts may require up to twelve months before implant placement is appropriate. Your periodontist will monitor your healing with follow-up imaging before scheduling the next step.
Is the bone grafting procedure painful?
Most patients experience very little discomfort during the procedure itself, as the area is thoroughly numbed beforehand. Post-operative soreness, swelling, and mild bruising are normal and typically resolve within one to two weeks. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient for managing any discomfort, though your periodontist may prescribe medication as needed.
Can a bone graft fail?
Bone grafts are highly successful, but like any surgical procedure, failure is possible. Signs of a problem include pain or swelling that worsens after the first week, drainage from the site, or gum recession around the graft area. Smoking and certain medical conditions can increase risk. If you notice any of these signs, contact our office promptly.
Is everyone with bone loss a candidate for bone grafting?
Most patients experiencing bone loss are candidates for some form of bone grafting procedure. During your consultation, our periodontists will review your medical history, current bone volume using 3D imaging, and overall oral health to determine which approach is right for you and whether any additional considerations apply.
Can I have a bone graft and implant placed at the same time?
In many cases, yes. Simultaneous bone augmentation and implant placement — known as immediate implant placement — is appropriate for some patients and can reduce overall treatment time. In other cases, a staged approach where the graft heals fully before implant placement is safer and more predictable. Our periodontists will recommend the approach best suited to your anatomy and bone condition.
Experience the Life-Changing Benefits of Dental Implants in Philadelphia
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Our Mission
Our mission is to help patients live healthier lives. We provide a caring, nurturing environment where your comfort and health is of primary importance.
1520 Locust Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-985-4337
Serving The Following Cities:
Philadelphia PA• Ardmore PA• Bala Cynwyd PA• Broomall PA• Bryn Mawr PA
Chester Heights PA• Flourtown PA• Gladwyne PA• Haverford PA• Media PA
Springfield PA• Merion Station PA• Narberth PA• Newtown Square PA• Havertown PA
Villanova PA• Wayne PA• Wynnewood PA• Lafayette Hill PA• Devon PA
Paoli PA• Berwyn PA• Immaculata PA
