GENERAL & FAMILY DENTISTRY
Bone Grafting in Provo, UT
When there is not enough jawbone to hold a dental implant, bone grafting can rebuild it first. We measure your bone on a 3D scan, plan any graft at the start, and handle the graft, the implant, and the final tooth in the same Provo office.
Why the Jawbone Shrinks
The bone around a tooth is kept healthy by the tooth's root. When a tooth is lost or removed, the bone in that spot slowly shrinks, most of it in the first months. Gum disease and years of wearing a denture can also wear bone away.
When a Graft Is Needed
Bone grafting is most often done before or during an implant, when the bone is too thin or too short to hold one securely. A 3D cone-beam scan shows the height and width of your bone and where the nerves and sinuses sit, so we know before surgery whether a graft is part of your plan.
Have questions?
Missing a tooth, or about to have one removed? Ask about your bone at an implant consult with 3D imaging.
Common Types of Grafts
A socket graft fills the space right after a tooth is removed, to help preserve the bone for a future implant. A ridge graft builds up a jaw that has already thinned. A sinus lift adds bone under the sinus when an upper back tooth needs an implant and the bone there is short. Your doctor explains which one your case needs and why.
What the Graft Is Made Of
Grafting material is usually processed bone from a tissue bank or an animal source, or a synthetic material. It acts as a framework, and over the following months your body grows its own bone into it.
Healing Time
A graft needs time to become solid bone before an implant goes in, often a few months. A small graft can sometimes be done at the same visit as the implant. We plan for it at the start, not in the middle of treatment, and show you the timeline in writing.
Comfort and Sedation
Grafting is done with local anesthetic, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Some swelling and soreness for a few days is normal. If you are nervous, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation is available.
Why It Matters for Chewing
Enough bone is what lets an implant hold a tooth firmly, so you can chew comfortably and keep eating a full range of foods. Planning a graft early, especially when a tooth is removed, can make the replacement simpler later.
THE PROCESS
From graft to finished tooth.
Grafting adds a step and some healing time, and it protects the long-term result.
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STEP 01
Consult and 3D scan.
We measure your bone and check your gums, bite, and medical history.
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STEP 02
Written plan and cost.
You see whether a graft is needed, which type, the timeline, and the cost in writing.
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STEP 03
Bone graft.
The graft is placed with local anesthetic, or with sedation if you prefer.
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STEP 04
Healing.
The graft becomes solid bone over a few months. A small graft may be placed with the implant instead.
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STEP 05
Implant and final tooth.
The implant is placed, then the same office attaches your crown, bridge, or full arch.
FAQ
Bone grafting, answered.
The questions patients ask most about bone grafting.
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Do I need a bone graft to get an implant?
Not always. Many people have enough bone. Your 3D scan shows whether the bone is thick and tall enough, and you know before surgery whether a graft is part of your plan. -
Does bone grafting hurt?
It is done with local anesthetic, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Expect some swelling and soreness for a few days. Sedation is available if you are nervous. -
How long does a graft take to heal?
Often a few months before an implant can be placed. A small graft can sometimes be done at the same visit as the implant. Your timeline is in your written plan. -
Can a graft be placed when a tooth is pulled?
Often, yes. A socket graft placed at the time of removal can help preserve the bone for a future implant. Ask about it before the tooth comes out. -
What happens if I skip the graft?
If the bone is too thin, an implant may not hold securely or may not be possible in that spot. Other options, like a bridge or a partial, may still work. We walk through them with you. -
Does insurance cover bone grafting?
Some plans pay toward grafting, especially when it is part of replacing a tooth. We are out-of-network with dental plans, we file your claim for you, and many PPO plans pay toward out-of-network care. How insurance and payment work.
PATIENT STORIES
Patients on this care.
Real Google reviews, shared as written.
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“Dr Dave did a surgical implant for me today and I didn't feel anything during the procedure. He made me feel so comfortable during the procedure and his assistant was great too! Thank you for a great experience for my very 1st implant! Your team is fantastic!!!”
Heidi H. · Google review
INSURANCE & PAYMENT
Straight answers on cost and coverage.
The money question matters as much as the clinical one. Here is how it works at Advanced Dental Care.
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Out-of-network, not out of reach
We are out-of-network with dental plans, and you can still be seen here. Many PPO plans pay toward care at out-of-network offices.
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We file the claim
Our front desk submits your dental claims and helps with anything your insurance company asks for.
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The number, in writing
After the exam you get a written plan and cost. Nothing begins until you approve it.
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Financing available
CareCredit financing and in-house payment options can help spread out larger treatment.
How insurance and payment work Call (801) 758-2443 with your plan details
READY TO PLAN?
Start with a 3D scan and a written plan.
You'll know whether you need a graft, which type, how long it takes, and what it costs before anything starts.