Bone Grafting in Gibsonia & Pittsburgh, PA

What Is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a method of replacing missing bone with graft material that stimulates your body’s natural ability to regenerate tissue. It’s commonly used to:

• Preserve the socket after a tooth extraction
• Rebuild areas where bone has deteriorated due to gum disease or trauma
• Prepare the jaw for dental implants
• Enhance support for dentures or implant-retained prosthetics

Bone grafts can be made from your own bone, donor tissue, or synthetic material. The type and extent of grafting required depend on the severity of the bone loss and the location in the jaw.

Why Is Bone Grafting Important?

Jawbone deterioration often occurs silently and without pain, especially after teeth are removed. Over time, bone loss can result in:

• Collapsed facial appearance or premature aging
• Inability to place dental implants securely
• Poor fit for full or partial dentures
• Shifting or loosening of remaining teeth

Bone grafting reinforces the structural foundation of your smile, improving both functional and aesthetic outcomes — especially when part of a larger plan like full mouth reconstruction.

Types of Bone Grafts We Provide

At Chips Dental Associates, we evaluate your individual needs and offer several types of grafting:

1. Socket Preservation (Alveolar Ridge Preservation)
   Performed immediately after a tooth extraction to prevent bone collapse and maintain the ridge for future implant placement.
2. Ridge Augmentation
   Rebuilds areas where bone has already been lost, often used when patients delay treatment after extractions or trauma.
3. Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation)
   Increases bone volume in the upper jaw near the molars and premolars, creating space for implants in patients with low sinus floor levels.
4. Minor Bone Repair
   Addresses small defects or irregularities in the bone that may impact fit or function of dental restorations.

All procedures are performed using safe, biocompatible materials and, when necessary, paired with 3D CT scans for highly detailed treatment planning.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure, but modern techniques have made it more comfortable and predictable than ever. Here's what to expect:

• Consultation: We evaluate your condition with imaging and intraoral examination. Digital impressions are often used to plan treatment.
• Procedure: Local anesthesia or IV sedation ensures your comfort. The grafting material is placed and secured.
• Healing: Most patients experience mild swelling and discomfort for a few days. The graft integrates over several months, depending on the type and location.

Your dentist will monitor healing and determine the best timing for placing dental implants or moving forward with prosthetics.

When Is Bone Grafting Recommended?

Bone grafting may be recommended if:

• You’ve been missing teeth for several months or years
• You’re planning for All-On-4 or All-On-X implants
• You’ve had periodontal disease that resulted in bone loss
• You want to stabilize or improve the fit of dentures
• You’re experiencing changes in facial profile due to bone resorption

Our team works with you to determine whether grafting is needed and what options best support your health and goals.

Technology-Driven Precision and Comfort

We leverage the latest tools to enhance outcomes and patient experience, including:

• 3D imaging for safe surgical planning and precise graft placement
• Intra-oral cameras to document healing progress
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to enhance healing in some cases

All treatments are performed in a calm, supportive environment with your comfort in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting

Is bone grafting painful?
The procedure is typically painless with the use of local anesthesia or IV sedation. Mild post-operative soreness or swelling is common and easily managed with medication.

How long does it take for a bone graft to heal?
Healing can take between 3 to 6 months depending on the graft type and location. Your dentist will assess when it’s safe to proceed with implant placement or other restorations.

Can I get a dental implant without bone grafting?
If sufficient bone is present, bone grafting may not be needed. However, in cases of significant bone loss, grafting is often necessary to ensure the stability and success of an implant.

Is bone grafting safe?
Yes. We use safe, sterile techniques and biocompatible materials. Risks are minimal when performed by experienced professionals in a controlled environment.

Will insurance cover my bone graft?
Many dental plans cover grafting when it is medically necessary. Our team will help you navigate your benefits and provide transparent cost estimates before treatment.

Schedule Your Bone Grafting Consultation

If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for dental implants, or if you’re dealing with long-term consequences of tooth loss, bone grafting may be the first step toward restoring your smile. At Chips Dental Associates, we’re proud to provide this essential service using the latest techniques and patient-focused care.

Start your personalized consultation at one of our convenient locations:

• Gibsonia Office – 5615 William Flynn Highway, Gibsonia, PA 15044 | (724) 443-5710
• Pittsburgh Office – 100 McKnight Park Drive, Suite 106, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 | (412) 364-7144

Or reach out through our main contact page to request your appointment.