Bone Grafting in Raleigh & Wake Forest, NC

After a tooth is lost, the jawbone that supported it gradually shrinks. A bone graft adds material to rebuild that bone.

It’s most often done to prepare a site for a dental implant that needs more bone to hold it securely, or to preserve bone right after an extraction.

The graft supports new bone formation during healing. Timing and readiness for an implant depend on the site and your response to treatment.

Socket preservation places graft material at an extraction site to help maintain bone for a future restoration. Other grafting may be considered when an area has already lost bone. The purpose, amount of grafting, and timing can differ.

Imaging helps your dentist assess bone dimensions and nearby anatomy. Ask what finding makes a graft useful in your case and whether an implant would be placed in a later stage. If the site is in the back of the upper jaw, sinus augmentation may be a separate part of the discussion.

Confirm the proposed material, who will perform the procedure, and whether specialist care is appropriate. Ask how grafting fits the full implant plan, including alternatives if you choose not to proceed.

Early comfort and bone healing are different milestones. Keep your follow-up appointments so the team can assess progress before the next treatment stage. Your written instructions should cover cleaning, food, activity, and any prescribed medication.

Share your health history and tobacco use before treatment, and ask how these may affect healing. Contact the office about worsening pain, concerning swelling, fever, or drainage. Learn more from Cleveland Clinic’s bone graft guide.

Request an estimate that identifies the graft procedure, material, imaging, sedation if selected, and follow-up. Ask which later implant and restoration fees are separate, and confirm insurance benefits before scheduling.