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Northwest Oral Surgeons

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Located inside the St. Luke’s building near the local urgent care facility.

Located inside the St. Luke’s building near the urgent care facility.

636-978-6967

Bone Grafting for Dental Implants in O’Fallon, MO

A dental implant needs enough bone in the right location. When a tooth has been missing, infection has damaged the area, or the natural anatomy does not provide enough support, bone grafting can prepare the site for implant treatment.
Dr. Maryann L. Udy uses an examination and three-dimensional imaging to evaluate the site, explain the grafting goal, and determine whether grafting should occur before implant placement or during the same procedure.
636-978-6967
Man Suffering From Acute Dental Pain

Why Bone Grafting May Be Needed Before an Implant

Bone can change after tooth loss, periodontal disease, infection, trauma, or a difficult extraction. In the upper back jaw, the position of the sinus can also limit the height available for an implant. The type of deficiency determines whether socket preservation, ridge augmentation, sinus augmentation, or another grafting approach is appropriate.

Grafting is not recommended simply because an implant is planned. Dr. Udy evaluates whether the existing bone can support the intended implant position and the final restoration.

How the Graft Is Planned

The treatment plan identifies the exact area that needs additional bone and the amount of reconstruction required. Depending on the procedure, graft material can come from your own body, a donor source, an animal source, or a synthetic material. Membranes or biologic materials may also be considered for selected cases.

Dr. Udy will review the materials planned for your procedure, why they are being recommended, available alternatives, and how the graft relates to implant timing.
636-978-6967

When Is the Dental Implant Placed?

Some grafts can be completed at the same time as implant placement. Larger or less stable defects often need a separate healing period before the implant is placed. The sequence is based on the size and location of the graft, infection, implant stability, and the restorative plan.

Follow-up examinations and imaging help Dr. Udy assess healing and determine when the site is ready for the next phase.

Protecting the Graft During Healing

Follow the instructions for diet, hygiene, medication, temporary appliances, and activity. Avoid placing pressure on the grafted area unless our office has told you it is safe. If a denture or temporary tooth will be worn, it may need adjustment so it does not press on the site.
Call our office if bleeding is difficult to control, swelling or pain worsens unexpectedly, a temporary appliance rubs the area, or you have questions about the instructions you received.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

No. Grafting is recommended only when the implant site lacks the bone needed for the planned implant position or restoration.
The material is selected for the defect and surgical plan. Dr. Udy will explain the proposed source and any additional materials before treatment.
Sometimes. The decision is based on the amount of bone present, graft stability, infection, and whether the implant can be positioned securely.
Dr. Udy evaluates the site at follow-up and may use imaging before confirming that the next phase can begin.

Has Bone Grafting Been Recommended?

Call Northwest Oral Surgeons at 636-978-6967 to schedule an evaluation and learn how grafting may fit into your dental implant plan.
Call: 636-978-6967