If you’ve been told you need a bone graft before getting dental implants, you’re not alone. Bone grafting is one of the most common preparatory procedures performed at Gilbertson OMA Oral Surgery in Gilbert, AZ — and understanding what the procedure involves can make the entire process far less intimidating.

This guide walks you through everything patients in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley need to know about dental bone grafting: what it is, when it’s needed, what to expect on the day of surgery, and how to recover successfully.

What Is Dental Bone Grafting?

A dental bone graft is a surgical procedure that rebuilds or augments bone in the jaw that has been lost due to tooth loss, periodontal disease, infection, or trauma. The jawbone naturally begins to shrink (a process called resorption) within months of losing a tooth — sometimes losing 25% or more of its width in the first year alone.

Without sufficient bone volume and density, dental implants have no stable foundation to anchor into. A bone graft restores that foundation, giving your implant the best possible chance of long-term success.

At Gilbertson OMA Oral Surgery in Gilbert, AZ, Dr. Kevin Burns performs bone grafting procedures using the most current techniques and materials — including allograft (donor bone), autograft (your own bone), xenograft (bovine-derived), and synthetic options — selecting the best material based on your specific anatomy and treatment goals.

When Is a Bone Graft Necessary?

Your oral surgeon may recommend a bone graft in several situations:

• Before dental implant placement — when there isn’t enough bone height or width to support an implant
• After a tooth extraction — a socket preservation graft placed immediately after tooth extractions in Gilbert, AZ minimizes bone loss and shortens the total treatment timeline
• Sinus augmentation — for upper back teeth, a sinus lift for dental implants in Gilbert, AZ adds bone height below the sinus floor
• Periodontal bone loss — gum disease destroys the bone surrounding teeth; grafting can restore that support
• Jaw reconstruction — after trauma, tumor removal, or significant atrophy

The only reliable way to know whether you need a bone graft is through a clinical exam and 3D CBCT imaging. At our Gilbert practice, we use cone beam CT scanning to measure bone volume precisely — so there are no surprises on the day of surgery.

Types of Bone Grafts We Perform

Socket Preservation (Extraction Site Graft)

Placed at the time of a dental extraction in Gilbert, AZ, socket preservation fills the empty socket with graft material and covers it with a membrane. This dramatically slows resorption and keeps the site ready for an implant — typically in four to six months.

Ridge Augmentation

When bone has already been lost — perhaps because a tooth was extracted years ago without a socket graft — ridge augmentation rebuilds the width and height of the jaw ridge. This is a more involved procedure than socket preservation, but it remains highly predictable in experienced hands.

Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation)

Upper back teeth sit just below the maxillary sinuses. When those teeth are lost, the sinus cavity can expand downward, leaving very little bone for an implant. A sinus lift gently elevates the sinus membrane and places graft material in the space created. Learn more about sinus lift for dental implants in Gilbert, AZ.

Block Grafts

For patients with severe bone deficiency, a block of bone (often harvested from the chin or back of the jaw) can be fixed to the deficient area. This technique is reserved for cases where particulate grafts won’t provide enough volume.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Bone Graft

Patients traveling from Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, and Tempe to our Gilbert surgery center can plan for a straightforward outpatient appointment. Here’s a typical sequence:

1. Arrival and pre-op prep — You’ll confirm your medical history, review consent forms, and meet with Dr. Burns before the procedure begins.
2. Anesthesia — Most bone grafting procedures at our Gilbert, AZ practice are performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation. You’ll be relaxed and comfortable throughout.
3. The graft procedure — Dr. Burns makes a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone, places the graft material, covers it with a membrane (if needed), and closes the incision with sutures. Most cases take 45–90 minutes.
4. Recovery room — You’ll rest briefly while the sedation wears off. A responsible adult must drive you home.

Recovery: Week by Week

Days 1–3: Manage Swelling and Discomfort

Swelling, mild bruising, and soreness are normal after bone grafting surgery in Gilbert, AZ. Apply ice packs (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) during the first 24 hours. Take prescribed medications as directed and keep your head elevated — even when sleeping — to reduce swelling.

Days 4–7: Soft Diet and Oral Hygiene

Stick to soft foods: yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soups. Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could disturb the graft site. Gently rinse with warm salt water or a prescribed antimicrobial rinse after meals. Do not use a straw — suction can dislodge the graft.

Weeks 2–4: Gradual Improvement

Most patients from Gilbert and surrounding East Valley cities return to normal activities within one to two weeks. The sutures may dissolve on their own, or Dr. Burns will remove them at your follow-up appointment.

Months 3–6: Graft Maturation

This is the most important phase — and the one that requires patience. The graft material slowly integrates with your natural bone through a process called osseointegration. Depending on the size of the graft, full maturation takes three to six months. At that point, Dr. Burns will take updated imaging to confirm the site is ready for implant placement.

How Long Does a Bone Graft Last Before Implant Placement?

One of the most common questions from patients in Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek is: “How long do I have to wait before I can get my implant?” The honest answer depends on the size and location of the graft:

• Socket preservation grafts: 4–6 months
• Ridge augmentation: 4–6 months
• Sinus lift: 6–9 months (for lateral window approach) or as few as 3–4 months (for crestal approach, if bone height allows)

Dr. Burns will give you a personalized timeline at your consultation based on your imaging and overall health.

Bone Grafting and Dental Implants: The Connection

For patients interested in dental implants in Mesa, AZ or Gilbert, bone grafting is often the necessary first chapter of a longer story that ends with a beautiful, permanent smile. All-on-4 implant patients, too, sometimes require targeted bone grafting before their procedure — though the All-on-4 technique was specifically designed to work with reduced bone volume in many cases.

If you’ve been told by another provider that you “don’t have enough bone” for implants, don’t give up. In many cases, a bone graft makes implants entirely possible — even for patients who have been missing teeth for many years.

Why Choose Gilbertson OMA Oral Surgery for Bone Grafting in Gilbert, AZ?

• Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon — Dr. Kevin Burns completed full surgical residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, not just a weekend course.
• 3D CBCT imaging on-site — precise pre-surgical planning means the right graft, the right size, the right material — every time.
• IV sedation available — you can sleep through your procedure comfortably.
• Conveniently located in Gilbert — easily accessible from Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and Tempe.
• Integrated implant care — Dr. Burns places both the graft and the implant, so there’s continuity of care and no coordination gaps between providers.

Schedule a Bone Grafting Consultation in Gilbert, AZ

If you’ve been told you need a bone graft — or if you’ve been missing teeth and want to explore your implant options — call Gilbertson OMA Oral Surgery at (480) 988-7006 or request a consultation online. Our Gilbert, AZ office serves patients from across the East Valley, including Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and Tempe.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment needs vary. Please consult with a board-certified oral surgeon to determine whether bone grafting is appropriate for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Bone Grafting in Gilbert, AZ

Is a dental bone graft painful?

Most patients are surprised by how manageable recovery is. The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia and/or IV sedation, so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Afterward, mild soreness and swelling are common for 3–5 days. Most patients in Gilbert, AZ manage discomfort with prescribed pain medication and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and return to desk work within a few days.

How long does a bone graft take to heal before I can get an implant?

Healing time depends on the size and type of graft. Socket preservation grafts typically allow implant placement in 4–6 months. Larger ridge augmentations may require 4–6 months as well, while a sinus lift can take 6–9 months for full maturation. Dr. Kevin Burns will give you a personalized timeline at your Gilbert, AZ consultation based on your 3D imaging.

Does insurance cover bone grafting?

Coverage varies widely by plan. Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of bone grafting costs, particularly for socket preservation after extraction. Medical insurance may cover bone grafting related to trauma or pathology. Our team at Gilbertson OMA Oral Surgery in Gilbert, AZ will review your benefits and provide a clear cost estimate before any procedure.

What is the success rate of dental bone grafts?

Dental bone grafting has a high success rate — studies report 90–95% success for socket preservation and ridge augmentation procedures when performed by a trained oral surgeon. Factors that improve outcomes include not smoking, good blood sugar control, and following post-operative instructions carefully.

Can I get a bone graft and implant placed at the same time?

In some cases, yes. Immediate implant placement with simultaneous grafting is possible when there is sufficient residual bone to stabilize the implant. However, in cases of significant bone deficiency, staging the procedures — graft first, implant after healing — produces more predictable long-term results. Dr. Burns will determine the best approach based on your imaging and clinical presentation.