Bone Grafting in Reddick
When a tooth is lost — whether from an extraction, an injury, or advanced gum disease — the jawbone that once held its roots begins to shrink. That change happens quietly, often without any discomfort, and many Reddick patients only learn about it when they come in asking about an implant or a better-fitting denture. Bone grafting is how we rebuild that foundation, adding volume and density back to the jaw so the bone can support replacement teeth, hold a denture more securely, or simply preserve the shape of the face and smile.
A bone graft is a procedure that places grafting material into an area of the jaw where bone has thinned or been lost. Over the following weeks and months, your own body uses that material as a scaffold, gradually replacing it with new, living bone. The result is a stronger, thicker ridge that can hold a dental implant or support other restorative work.
We see several common situations among our Reddick patients. The most frequent is a socket preservation graft placed right after an extraction, which fills the empty socket and helps limit the bone shrinkage that normally follows tooth removal. Others come to us years after losing teeth, having been told elsewhere that there isn't enough bone for implants. In the upper back jaw, where the sinus sits close to the roots of the molars, we also perform sinus lift surgery to create the vertical height an implant needs. Bone grafting also pairs naturally with periodontal care — when gum disease has eroded the bone around teeth, regenerative grafting can be part of treating that damage.
Good candidates are generally patients who want to replace missing teeth, who are facing an extraction, or who have been told their bone volume is insufficient for implants. Because our office treats patients of all ages and handles general, surgical, periodontal, and prosthetic care under one roof, we can evaluate the whole picture rather than just one piece of it. For Reddick families, that means fewer separate appointments at separate offices, and no referral is required to be seen for surgical, periodontal, or prosthodontic care with us.
The benefits of restoring lost bone go well beyond a single tooth:
- Creates the stable foundation an implant needs to integrate and last
- Helps preserve the natural contour of the jaw and facial structure
- Supports better fit and comfort for dentures and partials
- Limits the bone loss that normally follows an extraction
- Keeps future treatment options open, including full arch and implant-supported solutions
- Can be combined with gum treatment when periodontal disease has damaged supporting bone
What the Process Looks Like
Your first visit is an evaluation. We examine the area, take imaging to measure the amount and quality of remaining bone, review your medical history, and discuss what you want your smile to do — chew comfortably, look natural, hold a denture steady, or all three. From there we map out whether grafting is needed at all, what type fits your situation, and how it connects to the restorative plan that follows.
The procedure itself is done with the area thoroughly numbed. We make a small access point in the gum tissue, place the grafting material into the deficient site, and often cover it with a protective membrane before closing with sutures. For patients who feel uneasy about dental surgery, we offer nitrous oxide sedation and oral sedation so the appointment is calmer and more comfortable. Socket preservation grafts at the time of an extraction are typically quick; larger ridge grafts and sinus lifts take longer and involve more healing time.
Healing, Aftercare, and Next Steps
Aftercare is straightforward but matters a great deal. Expect some swelling and tenderness for the first several days, managed with cold compresses, rest, and the medication instructions we provide. We ask patients to stick with soft foods, avoid smoking, skip vigorous rinsing or straws early on, and keep the rest of the mouth clean while the graft site is left undisturbed. Tobacco use and poor oral hygiene are the two factors most likely to interfere with healing.
The graft then needs time to mature — often several months — before an implant is placed. We schedule follow-up visits throughout that period to confirm the site is integrating as expected. Once it has, implant placement, an implant-supported bridge, or implant-supported dentures can move forward, and our on-site dental lab helps keep the restorative phase efficient.
Insurance, Payment, and Scheduling from Reddick
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file claims as a general practitioner, and we welcome self-pay patients. Flexible payment plans are available for larger treatment plans, and we'll give you a clear breakdown of what's covered before you commit to anything.
Our office has served the Ocala area for more than 30 years, and Reddick patients are a regular part of our day. We also offer emergency appointments, so if you're dealing with a broken or painful tooth that may need extraction and grafting, call us and we'll work to see you promptly.