Bone replacement dentistry

What is a bone graft?

If you’ve ever heard of a skin graft, a dental bone graft is a very similar concept. The jaw doesn’t have enough bone so a doctor either removes a small amount of bone from another part of the body or uses a bone grafting material (Dr. Rob‘s preferred method) to generate bone growth.

When do patients need a bone graft?

The majority of people who come into our office needing bone grafting surgery are dental implant patients. While there are a few other cases where bone grafting is appropriate, most of the time dentists use it to create a better “base” for dental implants. During dental implant consultations with Dr. Rob Stanley, he takes a look at each patient’s jaw bone and runs some tests. If he finds that the jaw is too thin or soft to successfully support an implant, he’ll do a bone graft to ensure the longevity and stability of the dental implant.

Some patients with bad periodontal disease may also need a bone graft. Periodontal disease doesn’t just hurt the gums, it also hurts the bone beneath the gums. If left untreated, periodontal disease can eat away at the bone, leading to tooth loss. Sometimes, our doctors can use a bone graft to help revitalize the bone structure in that area, decreasing the likelihood of tooth loss. If tooth loss is inevitable, our doctors will recommend a bone graft and dental implants.

How long is the recovery period?

If the bone loss is very small, Dr. Rob can place the bone graft during the implant surgery. If there is significant bone deterioration or the jaw is too small, he will do the bone graft surgery first and allow it to heal for several months before completing the implant surgery. That waiting period ensures that the graft has successfully strengthened the bone. Forgoing that waiting period would mean risking the outcome of the implant surgery.

Bone grafts come with a minimal pain level similar to dental implants. If the worry that the surgery will be especially painful is holding you back from getting it done, don’t let it. We typically use IV sedation on bone graft surgeries so patients feel and remember nothing about the procedure. Afterward, we can prescribe painkillers though most patients prefer to stick with Tylenol and Advil since those tend to work just fine.

Make an appointment today

If you need bone grafting and a dental implant, Dr. Robert Stanley at Stanley Dentistry can do both in just a few appointments. He’s completed hundreds of bone grafting and dental implant cases and knows the safest and most effective techniques to give you the smile you deserve.

Call today to schedule or fill out a digital form to see how our dental experts can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions about

Bone Replacement and Grafting

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Is oral surgery painful?

At Stanley Dentistry, we pride ourselves on offering stress and pain-free oral surgery. For many of our surgeries, we use IV sedation so patients don’t feel or remember the procedure at all. When they wake up from surgery, we prescribe either prescription pain killers or over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen to manage any discomfort.Compared to other parts of the body, the mouth heals incredibly quickly. Our patients usually only need a few days of recovery after oral surgery before they’re back in their normal routine.

What is oral, or restorative surgery?

Oral surgery includes procedures that go beyond the typical scope of family dentistry (fillings, crowns, etc.). These surgeries typically involve some sort of sedation.

Is oral surgery at Stanley Dentistry safe?

Our doctors complete oral surgeries every single day. With more than twenty-five years of experience, Dr. Bobbi and Dr. Rob know everything there is to know about surgical dentistry. They use state-of-the-art techniques and cutting-edge technology to ensure each and every patient’s safety. You can rest assured that at Stanley Dentistry, our doctors will do everything they can to make your experience as stress and pain-free as possible.

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We don’t want to toot our own horn, but we are proud of our reputation. We feel that it is a reflection of the hard work and dedication we have committed to our profession, as well as a representation of the passion we have for providing exceptional care to our patients. At Stanley Dentistry, our goal is to earn our patient’s trust and loyalty.

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Winner of 21 best dentist awards

We’re honored to have been awarded 21 best dentist awards by the Triangle community. From the Western Wake County Maggy Awards to the News and Observers Raleigh’s Best, our patients have been vocal in their support!

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The Stanley Dentistry badge, which consists of three horizontal lines. The top line is flat, the second is slightly curved, and the third is more curved. This represents the journey to finding your smile!