Bone graft cost depends on how much bone you need and where it’s needed in your mouth. During your consultation, Dr. Croom will review your X-rays or CT scan and give you a clear, itemized estimate before any work begins. We accept many PPO insurance plans and offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit to help make treatment affordable.
Berry Road Dental · Norman, Oklahoma
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants in Norman, OK
If your dentist has mentioned that you need bone grafting for dental implants in Norman, OK, it's normal to have questions. At Berry Road Dental, Dr. Croom personally handles bone grafting in-house as part of your overall implant care, so you're not sent to a stranger for this step. We accept a wide range of dental insurance plans and offer flexible financing through Cherry and CareCredit, so cost doesn't have to get in the way of finishing your treatment. New patients are always welcome. This page walks through what bone grafting involves, who tends to need it, and what to expect, so you can feel prepared before your visit.
What Is Bone Grafting for Dental Implants?
Bone grafting is a procedure that rebuilds or strengthens the jawbone in an area where it has thinned out. Dental implants need a solid, healthy amount of bone to anchor into, much like a fence post needs firm ground to stand up straight. When a tooth has been missing for a while, or was lost due to gum disease or injury, the bone underneath can shrink over time. A graft adds bone material to that spot so it can heal and support an implant later on.
This is a common part of preparing for dental implants, and treatment can range from a small graft placed at the same time as an extraction to a larger graft that needs several months to heal before implant placement.
Benefits of Bone Grafting Before Implant Placement
A bone graft isn't extra work for the sake of it. It gives your implant the best possible foundation. Patients who need grafting before implant placement often see benefits like:
- A stronger, more stable base for the implant to bond with
- Better long-term support so the implant lasts
- Improved shape and fullness in the jaw and face
- Fewer complications during and after implant placement
Whether you're considering single tooth implants, a full-arch option like All-on-4 implants, or implant-supported dentures, having enough healthy bone is what makes those results possible in the first place.
What to Expect: The Bone Grafting Process
Bone grafting is done in our office, and most patients are numb and comfortable throughout. Dr. Croom will clean the area and place bone grafting material where it's needed, sometimes using your own bone, a donor source, or a synthetic material depending on your case. A protective membrane may be placed over the graft to help it heal properly. The area is then closed, and you'll get clear instructions for the days that follow.
Smaller grafts can heal in a few months, while larger ones may take longer before they're ready to support an implant. We'll walk you through your specific timeline at your consultation, so there are no surprises.
Sinus Lift Procedures in Norman, OK
If you need an implant in the upper back part of your mouth, you may need a sinus lift instead of, or along with, a standard bone graft. The sinuses sit close to the roots of your upper back teeth, and when bone is lost there, the sinus can drop down into that space. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus membrane and adds bone underneath it, creating enough height and strength for an implant. Dr. Croom will review your CT scan closely to see if this step applies to your case.
Do You Need a Bone Graft? Signs & Candidacy
Not everyone needs bone grafting before implants, but it's more common than people expect. You may be a candidate if you have:
- A tooth that's been missing for a year or more
- A history of gum disease that has affected the bone
- Thin or narrow jawbone visible on X-rays or a CT scan
- A tooth lost due to injury or infection, where bone was affected
The only way to know for sure is with a clinical exam and imaging, which we'll go over together during your visit.
What Happens If You Delay Treatment
Bone naturally continues to shrink in an area with a missing tooth, a process called resorption. The longer you wait, the more bone you may lose, which can make a future graft larger, more involved, or take longer to heal. Addressing it sooner rather than later usually keeps your treatment simpler and can help protect the shape of your jaw and face over time.
Clear answers, comfortable care
Bone Graft Cost & Insurance Coverage
Bone graft cost varies based on the size and location of the graft, and whether a sinus lift is also needed. Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for bone grafting when it's tied to a medically necessary implant plan, and we accept a broad range of PPO plans to help you use those benefits. For anything insurance doesn't cover, we offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit so you can spread out payments in a way that fits your budget. You can review your options in more detail on our Insurance & Financing page, or ask our team to go over your specific plan before treatment starts.
Bone grafting in Norman, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
A sinus lift is a type of bone graft used for upper back teeth, where the sinus sits close to the jawbone. It gently lifts the sinus membrane and adds bone underneath so an implant has enough support. You’ll only need one if your imaging shows the upper jaw doesn’t have enough height for a stable implant.
Most patients describe bone grafting as similar to having a tooth pulled, with mild soreness for a few days afterward. We numb the area thoroughly before starting, and Dr. Croom can talk with you about sedation options if you feel anxious. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough for recovery.
Initial healing usually takes one to two weeks, when swelling and soreness settle down. Full bone integration, when the graft is strong enough to support an implant, typically takes a few months. Dr. Croom will let you know your specific timeline based on the size of your graft.
Berry Road Dental · Norman, Oklahoma
Ready to Give Your Implant a Strong Foundation?
Dr. Croom will explain your grafting needs and costs clearly before you decide anything.