Bone Grafting: What It Is & Why You Might Need It

If you’re considering dental implants—or have had missing teeth for a while—your oral surgeon may recommend a bone graft. At Mahogany Oral Surgery, we use this procedure to rebuild areas where jawbone has shrunk or weakened, so you can move forward with a healthier, stronger smile.

Why Is Bone Grafting Important?

Your jawbone needs stimulation to stay strong. When a tooth is lost or removed, the bone underneath can begin to wear away over time. This can make it difficult (or even impossible) to place a dental implant without first rebuilding that area.

Bone grafting:

• Restores bone volume 
• Supports future implants 
• Helps maintain facial structure 
• Protects neighboring teeth and gums 

In short: it sets the stage for long-term oral health and stable treatment outcomes.

Types of Bone Grafting We Offer

Depending on your needs, we may recommend:

• Socket preservation: Done immediately after a tooth extraction to prevent bone loss 
• Sinus lift: A technique for adding bone near your upper molars, close to the sinus cavity 
• Ridge augmentation: Rebuilds jawbone that’s worn down over time 
• Advanced grafting: For complex cases, performed in hospital settings 

Your surgeon will review all options with you and recommend the right approach based on your anatomy and treatment goals.

What Is the Graft Made From?

We use trusted, biocompatible materials to rebuild bone, including:

• Your own bone (autograft) 
• Donor bone (allograft) 
• Animal-derived grafts (xenograft) 
• Synthetic materials (alloplast) 

Each has its own benefits, and we’ll walk you through the best fit for your case.

What About Pain or Recovery?

You’ll be comfortable during the procedure, thanks to local anesthesia and sedation options. Afterward, some swelling and tenderness are normal, but most patients manage it easily with rest and medication. Healing takes several months—but it’s worth it for a strong, lasting result.

Curious to Learn More?

For deeper information about techniques like sinus lifts, grafting materials, and healing times, visit the Calgary Oral Surgery Group’s Bone Grafting Page.

Let’s Plan Your Care Together

If you’ve been told you may need a bone graft—or you’re interested in dental implants—call Mahogany Oral Surgery to schedule a consult. We’ll take great care of you and help you understand every step of the process.