Dental Bone Grafting in South Barrington, IL

What Bone Grafting Is

A bone graft adds material to a bone-deficient area to stimulate new bone growth. Several types of graft material are used:

Autograft: Patient’s own bone, harvested from another site. Highest integration rates but requires a second surgical site.

Allograft: Donor bone from a human tissue bank. Processed to be safe and biocompatible. Most commonly used material.

Xenograft: Bone from another species (typically bovine). Provides scaffolding for new bone growth.

Synthetic: Manufactured biocompatible material that encourages bone regeneration.

Most cases use allograft or xenograft material with excellent results and no need for a second surgical site.

When Bone Grafting Is Recommended

• Before implant placement when bone volume is insufficient
• Immediately after tooth extraction to preserve the socket (socket preservation)
• Sinus lift procedures when implants are planned in the upper posterior jaw
• After periodontal disease has caused bone loss
• To correct bone defects from prior trauma or infection
• Before certain denture cases when ridge augmentation helps

Benefits

• Makes implant placement possible in previously-unsuitable sites
• Preserves bone volume after extraction, avoiding later grafting needs
• Supports successful long-term implant outcomes
• Improves esthetics for visible implant sites
• Restores facial support and contour
• Enables better-fitting dentures when combined with denture therapy

Types of Bone Grafting Procedures

Socket Preservation

Graft material is placed in the empty socket immediately after tooth extraction. Preserves bone volume for future implant placement. Most efficient timing for grafting.

Ridge Augmentation

Graft material is added to restore width or height of the jaw ridge when bone has already receded. Required when extractions were done months or years ago without socket preservation.

Sinus Lift

In the upper posterior jaw, the sinus cavity sometimes extends too low for implant placement. A sinus lift raises the sinus membrane and adds bone graft material to create adequate space for implants.

Block Grafting

For significant bone defects, a block of bone (typically autograft from another site) is secured to the jaw with small screws and allowed to integrate over several months.

Guided Bone Regeneration

Graft material combined with a protective membrane that keeps soft tissue from invading the graft site while new bone forms.

The Bone Grafting Process Step by Step

Step 1: Consultation and Imaging. 3D Cone Beam imaging precisely measures bone volume and identifies the grafting approach.

Step 2: Treatment Planning. Dr. Allison Bartley explains the recommended graft type, timeline, and expected outcome.

Step 3: Anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the surgical area. Sedation is available for anxious patients.

Step 4: Graft Placement. Depending on the graft type, material is placed, a membrane may be added, and the site is closed with sutures.

Step 5: Healing. 4-6 months for the graft to integrate with existing bone (some smaller cases may heal faster).

Step 6: Implant Placement. Once healing is complete and imaging confirms adequate bone, implant placement proceeds.

Step 7: Follow-Up. Regular checkups throughout healing ensure integration is progressing normally.

Timeline

• Socket preservation: Performed at the time of extraction, adds no additional surgical visits
• Graft healing before implant: 4-6 months for most cases
• Sinus lift: 6-9 months before implant placement
• Block graft: 6-9 months before implant placement
• Total implant timeline with grafting: Typically 9-12 months from start to final restoration

Cost Factors

Bone grafting costs depend on:

• Type of graft (socket preservation is the least expensive)
• Size of the defect
• Graft material used
• Whether a membrane is included
• Complexity of the surgical approach

Some PPO dental insurance plans cover bone grafting when medically necessary (especially socket preservation at the time of extraction). Coverage varies; we verify benefits before treatment. See our finance and insurance page for financing options.

Risks and Limitations

Graft failure. A small percentage of grafts fail to integrate. Re-grafting is usually successful.

Infection. Uncommon but possible. Antibiotics and good oral hygiene minimize risk.

Bleeding and swelling. Normal for several days after surgery.

Sinus complications. Specific to sinus lift procedures; rare with proper technique and CBCT planning.

Extended treatment timeline. Bone grafting adds 4-9 months to implant treatment depending on the graft type.

Not always successful in severe cases. Very large defects may require staged grafting or alternatives.

Who Is a Good Candidate

• Patients needing implants with insufficient bone volume
• Patients having teeth extracted who want to preserve options for future implants
• Patients in reasonable general health
• Non-smokers or those willing to quit during healing
• Patients committed to good oral hygiene during healing

Who Is NOT a Good Candidate

• Patients with uncontrolled medical conditions affecting bone healing
• Heavy smokers unwilling to stop during the healing period
• Patients on certain bisphosphonate medications (requires careful evaluation)
• Patients with very severe bone defects that exceed grafting capabilities (may need alternative treatment approaches)
• Patients unable to attend necessary follow-up visits

Comparison: Socket Preservation vs. Delayed Grafting

Socket preservation at extraction: Minimizes bone loss, simplest procedure, best timing, least additional cost.

Delayed grafting (months/years after extraction): More extensive procedure, longer healing, higher cost, but still typically successful.

The takeaway: if you are having a tooth extracted and may want an implant in the future, discuss socket preservation with your dentist at the time of extraction. It is far easier than grafting later.

Alternatives

• Placing a dental bridge instead of an implant (avoids the grafting requirement)
• Using shorter or narrower implants that fit available bone
• Angled implant placement to use existing bone
• Conventional or implant overdentures for multi-tooth cases
• Shorter-term tooth replacement while deciding on definitive treatment