Why Bone Grafting Matters for Successful Dental Implants
June 10, 2025 9:00 amDental implants need more than a healthy smile—they need a strong foundation. And sometimes, that foundation isn’t quite ready on its own. That’s where bone grafting comes in. At Windmill Dental in Amarillo, TX, Dr. Austin A. Whetten often performs bone grafting to help patients become candidates for implants when bone loss has occurred.
If you’ve been told you need a bone graft before getting an implant, here’s what it actually means—and why it’s worth considering.
What is Dental Bone Grafting?
A bone graft is a small procedure that adds volume or density to areas where jawbone has weakened or shrunk. This often happens when a tooth has been missing for a while or after trauma or gum disease.
Grafting involves placing new bone material—either natural or synthetic—into the area where more support is needed. Over time, your body accepts this material and builds it into your natural bone.
Why is Bone Important for Implants?
Dental implants are anchored directly into the jaw. That means the bone has to be thick and healthy enough to hold the implant in place. If the bone is too thin or soft, the implant may not fuse properly—or stay secure long term.
Bone grafting helps rebuild the foundation so the implant can bond with the jaw as it should. This step gives your new tooth a better chance of lasting for years to come.
What’s Recovery Like?
Most patients say recovery is smoother than expected. Mild soreness or swelling is common for a few days. Dr. Whetten will go over what to expect and how to keep the area healing well.
You’ll usually need to wait a few months before placing the implant. But in some cases, both steps can happen at once—it depends on your specific situation.
Planning Your Implant Journey at Windmill Dental in Amarillo, TX
At Windmill Dental in Amarillo, TX, Dr. Austin A. Whetten works closely with patients to ensure implants are built on strong, healthy bone. If bone grafting is part of your treatment plan, you’re in experienced hands.
Ready to restore your smile with dental implants? Schedule a consultation today and find out if bone grafting can help get you there. The first step starts with a conversation.
Categorized in: Bone Grafting, Dental Implants
