Bone Grafting in South Bend

At The Dental Center of South Bend, our talented oral surgeons can use the latest in bone grafting techniques to restore stability to your jaw and enable the installation of dental implants. If you need implants but have bone deterioration, call our South Bend office for an appointment.

Does Everyone Need a Bone Graft? 

Not everyone who wants dental implants will need a bone graft. However, those who have suffered any of the above conditions may be more likely to experience bone deterioration. 

Dental implants require a strong base, which means that the bone securing them needs to be sturdy and healthy. If you get a traditional restoration like a bridge or a denture, you won't need a bone graft. If you want implants, though, you may need a bone graft so that your implant has a strong base.

Our dental specialists use the latest technology to restore lost bone and ensure the best placement for your implants, so call us if you want to schedule a consultation.

What Happens During the Bone Grafting Procedure? 

Each procedure is specific to the patient because every patient is unique. The procedure also depends on the type of graft you need. We offer a variety of bone grafts, but the following are the ones we perform most often: 

• Autograft: This uses bone taken from another area of the body, such as the chin, hip, or shin, and is the most biocompatible.
• Allograft: This type of bone comes from a bone bank or a donor. 
• Alloplast: This type of graft uses biocompatible, synthetic material and simulates bone regeneration. 
• Xenograft: This type of bone graft uses bone derived from animals. Bovine, or cow, bones are the most frequently used. 

 Your surgeon will discuss your options to determine the best type of bone graft for your unique situation. You can generally expect the following when you come to our office for a bone graft.

Your surgeon will make a small incision in your gums, insert the bone graft material, and they may add some biologic agents to promote healing. We may use PIEZOSURGERY® technology to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues. Occasionally, we can place the implants simultaneously with the graft, but ask your surgeon if this is possible for your procedure.

What's the Healing and Recovery Time? 

Your tissues will integrate with your bone graft through a process called osseointegration, which enables long-term stability. We'll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, and it's essential that you follow them faithfully. Your instructions will enable you to brush, floss, and use medications to avoid infection or pain.

You'll have multiple follow-up appointments to determine the feasibility of your implant placement.

What About Financing and Insurance? 

Depending on your plan specifics, your insurance may cover some or all of the cost of the grafting procedure. We recommend that our patients speak to their provider before their initial consultation to ascertain their plan benefits and limits. Bring that information with you.

We also offer several payment options so that you can have the good dental treatments you need. Ask about CareCredit financing and our other payment methods when you make your appointment.

Need to Schedule a Bone Graft? 

If you need a bone graft and implants, call our South Bend office first. We're among the best in the area, and our oral surgeons are board-certified so that you can be confident in the quality of treatment you'll receive.

Call us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward better oral health.