Bone Grafting in Sarasota
A bone graft rebuilds jawbone that has thinned after tooth loss, gum disease or injury. It is often the step that makes a dental implant possible.
What It Is
Jawbone needs the pressure of chewing to stay strong. When a tooth is lost, the bone that held it begins to shrink. Gum disease, injury and aging can thin the bone as well. A bone graft adds material to the area so your body can build new bone there.
Graft material can come from three sources. An autograft uses your own bone. An allograft uses processed bone from a human donor. A xenograft uses processed bone from an animal source, usually a cow. Your dentist will explain which material is recommended for you and why.
Grafting is most often done to prepare for a dental implant, which needs enough solid bone to hold it. It can sometimes be done on the same day a tooth is removed. The graft then heals for several months before the next step.
Who It Is For
- You want a dental implant but do not have enough bone
- A tooth has been missing for a long time
- A tooth is being removed and you plan to replace it
- Gum disease has damaged the bone around your teeth
- An injury or infection has caused bone loss in the jaw
Benefits
- Makes implants possible. A graft can rebuild enough bone to hold an implant securely.
- Slows bone loss. Grafting at the time of an extraction may help preserve the shape of the jaw.
- Supports nearby teeth. Healthy bone helps keep the neighboring teeth stable.
- Done in our office. Dr. Gekht performs bone grafts here, so you do not need to visit another office.
- Specialist on the team. Our in-house periodontist, Dr. Zuleidy Fernandez, focuses on the gums and bone that support your teeth.
How It Works
What to expect, step by step.
- Consultation. We examine the area and explain whether a graft is needed, which material we recommend and what to expect.
- The procedure. The area is numbed. Your dentist opens the gum, places the graft material against the bone and closes the gum with stitches. A tooth can sometimes be removed at the same visit.
- Healing. The graft blends with your own bone over about four to six months. We check the area during this time.
- Next step. Once the bone is ready, we move on to your implant or other planned treatment.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of a bone graft depends on the size of the area, the type of graft material and whether it is done together with an extraction or implant. We go over the fee with you before scheduling, as part of your overall treatment plan.
Coverage for grafting varies by plan and by the reason it is needed. We will check your benefits for you. We file claims with all PPO plans and are in network with Delta Dental Premier. Financing is available through CareCredit, Cherry, Wisetack and Proceed Finance. If your graft is part of implant treatment, your implant consultation is free.
Real Patients, Real Stories
For my first interaction with the staff at Simply Smiles on the phone to my first visit. Everyone was kind, made me feel comfortable and patient with me. I haven't had the best experiences at dentist but Dr. Szef was amazing at easing my fears and concerns. She took the time to educate me about my care needs and showed completely and that's why I would recommend them to anyone. The whole staff is top Tier.
I was a first time patient, and if I could give Simply Smiles more than 5 stars, I would. I will definitely be back 😊 The staff was all amazing!! They were very informative and very thorough. I absolutely LOVED Hannah as my hygienist as well. Her bubbly personality made my day joyful and she makes you feel very comfortable through the entire process. Keep her! I’ve went to other practices to know she really goes above and beyond. Dr. Sandra Scef was very sweet and really cared for me as well, and at the end of the day, that’s what matters and stands out.
We had a dental emergency when my daughter's spacer broke, and Simply Smiles was fantastic. They got us in the same day , and the team was so kind and efficient with my 7-year-old. Chelcie and the staff explained everything clearly and fixed it perfectly with zero drama. Made a stressful situation so much easier—highly recommend them for anyone needing fast, caring Dental care in Sarasota/ Bradenton area!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need a bone graft?
The most common reason is to build up enough bone for a dental implant. Bone shrinks after a tooth is lost, and gum disease or injury can reduce it too.
Does bone grafting hurt?
The area is numbed for the procedure. Expect some soreness and swelling for a few days afterward, which is usually manageable. [Confirm with office: anesthesia and sedation options for bone grafting]
How long does a bone graft take to heal?
Most grafts need about four to six months before the bone is ready for an implant. Your dentist will check healing along the way.
Where does the graft material come from?
It can be your own bone, processed donor bone or processed bone from an animal source. We will explain the material we recommend for your case.
Can the graft be done when my tooth is pulled?
Often, yes. Placing a graft at the time of extraction may help preserve the bone for a future implant.
Can I get the implant on the same day as the graft?
Sometimes, but not always. It depends on how much bone you have to begin with. In many cases the graft heals first.
Who performs the procedure?
Dr. Kira Gekht performs bone grafts in our office. Our periodontist, Dr. Zuleidy Fernandez, is also on the team.
