What Is a Dental Bone Graft and Who Needs One?
A dental bone graft is a procedure that rebuilds lost bone in your jaw. When a tooth is missing, the bone that once supported it can begin to shrink over time. This is called resorption, and it happens naturally because the bone no longer receives stimulation from chewing. If enough bone is lost, there may not be enough structure to hold a dental implant securely. A bone graft replaces that lost tissue using a safe, biocompatible material that encourages your body to grow new bone.
Signs You May Need a Bone Graft Before an Implant
You might need a bone graft if you have been missing a tooth for several months or years, or if your tooth was lost due to infection or gum disease. Other signs include a sunken appearance in your jaw, difficulty chewing on that side, or a previous tooth extraction that left a noticeable gap in your gum line. The only way to know for sure is with a thorough exam and 3D CT imaging — which we do in-house using our cone beam scanner.
What Happens If You Skip the Bone Graft?
Without enough bone, a dental implant cannot be placed safely or predictably. Skipping a needed bone graft can lead to implant failure, damage to surrounding teeth, or the need for more complex procedures down the road. More importantly, untreated bone loss can continue, affecting your facial structure and your ability to chew comfortably. Addressing it early is the simplest path to a successful implant outcome.
Why Patients in Concord Trust Southern Charm for Bone Grafting
We know that the idea of bone grafting can feel intimidating. That is why we make sure you have clear answers from the very first conversation. Our approach is built on trust, transparency, and convenience.
First, we handle the entire process in our Concord office. From the initial exam and 3D imaging to the graft procedure and eventual implant placement, you never have to drive across town or coordinate with a separate specialist. Second, we believe in no surprises. We will walk you through the recommended treatment, explain the costs up front, and verify your insurance benefits before any work begins. Dr. Kaycee takes an educational approach — she wants you to understand not just what we are doing, but why it matters for your long-term oral health.
Our patients also appreciate the comfort-focused environment we have created, with ceiling-mounted TVs, warm blankets, and sedation options that make even surgical procedures feel manageable. It is care that feels personal, and it is why so many patients describe Southern Charm as their dental home.
What to Expect During Your Bone Grafting Procedure
The procedure itself is straightforward. After numbing the area, Dr. Kaycee carefully places the graft material — typically a synthetic or natural bone substitute — into the site where bone is needed. The material is secured in place, and the area is closed with fine sutures. Most procedures take about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the extent of the graft.
Your Bone Graft Timeline: From Consultation to Implant Placement
After the graft, your body needs time to grow new bone around the material — a process called osseointegration. This usually takes 4 to 6 months. During that time, you will return for periodic checks and imaging to monitor healing. Once Dr. Kaycee confirms that the graft has matured, you can move forward with implant placement. In some cases, when enough natural bone remains, we can place the implant at the same appointment as the graft. We will discuss the best timeline for you during your consultation.
Sedation Options to Keep You Comfortable
We offer several sedation choices to help you relax during the procedure. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is a great option for mild anxiety, while oral conscious sedation or IV sedation provides deeper relaxation for patients who prefer to be more unaware of the procedure. Our team will help you choose the right level of sedation based on your needs and preferences. Learn more about sedation dentistry options at our practice.
Bone Grafting vs. Ridge Augmentation — Which Do You Need?
Both procedures rebuild bone, but they address different types of bone loss. Bone grafting typically targets a specific implant site where a tooth used to be. Ridge augmentation reshapes a wider area of the jaw that has collapsed or become too narrow over time. Here is a quick comparison:
| Feature | Bone Grafting | Ridge Augmentation |
|---|---|---|
| Primary goal | Restore lost bone at implant site | Rebuild collapsed or narrow ridge contour |
| Timing relative to implant | Often combined or staged | Typically staged before implant placement |
| Common cause | Tooth loss, infection, gum disease | Significant bone resorption or trauma |
| Procedure scope | Targeted, site-specific | Broader ridge reshaping |
| Leads to | Single or multiple implant placement | Implant placement or denture fit improvement |
If you are unsure which procedure applies to your situation, we will help you understand during your exam. Learn more about ridge augmentation and how it compares to bone grafting.
Understanding Bone Graft Dental Costs in Concord, NC
Cost is one of the most common questions patients have about bone grafting. While every case is different, we believe in being straightforward from the start. We will provide a detailed treatment plan with clear pricing before you commit to anything. Our team also works with a wide range of insurance carriers to help maximize your benefits. If you do not have coverage, we offer flexible financing options to make care accessible.
Transparency is part of our practice philosophy — you will never receive a surprise bill. For a personalized estimate, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. You can also visit our Insurance & Financing page for more details about accepted plans and payment options.
Have Questions About Coverage?
Our team is happy to verify your insurance benefits prior to your appointment.