Question 1

What exactly is bone grafting and why would I need it?

Accepted Answer

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that rebuilds or augments the jawbone when it has been lost due to tooth extraction, gum disease, injury, or long-term tooth absence. At San Antonio Surgical Arts, it is most commonly performed to create the bone volume needed to support dental implants — but it also helps preserve facial structure and prevent further deterioration.

Question 2

Is bone grafting painful?

Accepted Answer

The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia, and IV sedation is available for patients who prefer it. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate and well-managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the recovery is, especially for minor grafts done at the time of extraction.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Healing time depends on the size and type of graft. Minor grafts (such as socket preservation) may mature in 3–4 months. Larger grafts — including sinus lifts or ridge augmentation — can take 6–9 months before the new bone is ready to support an implant. Your surgeon will monitor healing with follow-up imaging before proceeding to implant placement.

Question 4

Do I need a bone graft before getting dental implants?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Many patients have sufficient bone volume for implant placement without grafting. However, if you have been missing teeth for a long time or experienced bone loss from gum disease or infection, grafting is often necessary. Our surgeons use 3D CBCT imaging to evaluate your bone precisely and determine whether grafting is needed.

Question 5

Where does the graft material come from?

Accepted Answer

Graft material can come from several sources: your own body (autogenous graft, often from the jaw, hip, or tibia), a human tissue bank (allograft), animal-derived bone (xenograft, typically bovine), or synthetic bone substitute materials. Each has advantages depending on the size of the defect and patient factors. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate option for your case.

Question 6

What types of bone grafting procedures are available?

Accepted Answer

San Antonio Surgical Arts offers a full range of grafting procedures, including socket preservation (at the time of extraction), ridge augmentation (to rebuild a resorbed jaw ridge), sinus lifts (to add bone in the upper back jaw), and major bone grafting for large defects caused by trauma or tumor surgery. The right procedure depends on the location and extent of bone loss.

Question 7

Can I eat normally after a bone graft?

Accepted Answer

For the first few days after a graft, a soft diet is recommended — think yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and scrambled eggs. You should avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could disturb the graft site. Most patients transition back to a normal diet within 1–2 weeks, though your surgeon will give you specific guidance based on your procedure.

Question 8

What is the success rate of bone grafting?

Accepted Answer

Bone grafting has a high success rate — typically 90–95% for minor grafts performed by experienced oral surgeons. Success depends on the patient's overall health, adherence to post-operative instructions, and avoiding smoking during healing. At San Antonio Surgical Arts, our board-certified surgeons use proven techniques and materials to maximize graft integration.

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