Bone Grafting in Summerfield
A tooth that's been missing for a few years, a molar that cracked below the gumline, a denture that no longer sits the way it once did — these are the situations that bring many of our Summerfield patients in to talk about implants, only to learn the jawbone underneath needs attention first. Bone grafting is the step that makes the rest possible. It rebuilds the foundation so an implant has something solid to anchor into, and it's a routine, well-understood part of how we restore smiles here.
Jawbone is living tissue, and it depends on tooth roots to stay stimulated. When a tooth is lost or extracted, the bone in that area begins to shrink and thin over the following months and years. Gum disease can accelerate the same process, and long-term denture wear can leave the ridge flatter than it once was. A bone graft places grafting material into the deficient area so your body can rebuild and reinforce the site over time.
For Summerfield patients, grafting usually comes up in one of a few scenarios. Sometimes we place a graft immediately after an extraction — called socket preservation — to keep the ridge from collapsing while you decide on tooth replacement. Sometimes we graft a site where a tooth has been missing for years and the bone has already narrowed. And in the upper back jaw, where the sinus sits close to the roots, we may recommend sinus lift surgery to create the vertical height an implant needs. Grafting also supports periodontal regeneration when gum disease has damaged the bone around teeth we're trying to keep.
Candidacy starts with a conversation and an exam. We look at the site itself, the surrounding teeth, your gum health, and your overall medical history, then talk through what you're hoping to end up with — a single implant, an implant-supported bridge, full arch implants, or a denture that fits more securely. Because we handle implant placement, extractions, periodontal care, and prosthetics all in one office, the grafting plan is built around the final restoration from the very start rather than being treated as a separate project.
Good candidates are generally patients with healthy or treatable gums who want a lasting tooth replacement. If active gum disease is present, we typically address that first with scaling and root planing or periodontal treatment so the graft heals in a stable environment. Benefits our Summerfield patients weigh most often include:
- Creating enough bone volume to place a dental implant securely
- Preserving the shape of the jaw and the natural contour of the face
- Preventing further ridge loss after an extraction
- Improving the fit and stability of implant-supported dentures and bridges
- Supporting teeth weakened by bone loss from periodontal disease
What the Procedure and Recovery Involve
The appointment itself is more straightforward than most people expect. We numb the area thoroughly, and for patients who feel anxious we offer nitrous oxide sedation or oral sedation so the visit stays comfortable. The site is opened, cleaned, and the grafting material is placed and protected, then the gum tissue is closed with sutures. A socket preservation graft at the time of an extraction often adds only a short amount of time to a visit you were already having.
Aftercare is practical. Expect some swelling and tenderness for the first several days, managed with cold compresses and the medication instructions we provide. We'll ask you to eat soft foods, avoid smoking, skip straws and vigorous rinsing early on, and keep the rest of your mouth clean as usual. The graft then needs months to mature before an implant goes in — we'll give you a realistic timeline for your specific case and check your healing along the way. Because we see patients of all ages and keep emergency appointments available, you're never left wondering who to call if something feels off.
Scheduling and Paying for Care from Summerfield
Summerfield sits close enough to our Ocala office that most patients handle grafting, implant placement, and the final crown or denture without ever leaving one practice — no referrals to chase, no records transferred between offices. Our on-site dental lab means crowns, dentures, and denture repairs are made right here, which keeps the restorative phase moving once your graft has healed.
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file claims as a general practitioner, and we welcome self-pay and cash patients. Flexible payment plans are available for treatment that spans several stages, and we'll go over what your plan covers and what your portion looks like before you commit to anything. Our team — including Dr. Hussein Salifu and Dr. Marco Geris — has cared for this area for more than 30 years, and we're glad to answer questions before you schedule.