Bone Graft After Tooth Extraction

Protect Your Jawbone and Prepare for a Future Tooth Replacement

When a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone naturally begins to shrink. A bone graft helps prevent this bone loss — keeping your jaw strong and healthy for the future.

💡 What Is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a quick and simple procedure where your dentist places special bone material into the empty socket after a tooth is extracted. This material acts as a scaffold, helping your body grow new, natural bone in that area.

✅ Why Get a Bone Graft After an Extraction?

• Prevents bone loss — keeps your jawbone from shrinking after a tooth is removed

• Preserves ridge height and shape — so your smile and facial structure stay natural

• Makes future treatment easier — provides a solid foundation for:

  • Dental implants

  • Bridges

  • Dentures

• Speeds up healing and promotes healthy bone regeneration

• Improves long-term success of any tooth replacement

• 

🛡️ What Is the Membrane and Why Is It Important?

• The membrane acts like a protective cover (“roof”) over the bone graft

• It keeps soft tissue out, allowing bone cells to grow properly

• Helps the graft heal undisturbed and form strong, dense bone

• Increases the success rate of bone healing and implant placement

💬 Common Questions

Q: Is the bone graft procedure painful?
A: Not at all. It’s done under local anesthesia (the same as for a filling). You’ll feel pressure, not pain.

Q: How long does it take?
A: The entire grafting procedure usually takes about 10 minutes after your extraction.

Q: What’s the recovery like?
A:

• Most people report no significant pain after 3 days

• Minor soreness or swelling is normal and goes away quickly

• Over-the-counter pain medicine is usually all that’s needed

Q: Is this a common procedure?
A: Yes! Bone grafting is a routine and highly recommended step after extractions — most patients choose to do it to protect their jaw and future smile.

📈 Long-Term Benefits

• Keeps your jaw strong and bone volume healthy

• Reduces the need for complex surgery later

• Increases the success rate of dental implants and other restorations

• Helps maintain your natural appearance and bite

💬 Ready to protect your bone and smile?
Call us today at (215) 558-4205 to schedule your consultation!