How Do Dentists Regenerate Jawbone in Order to Place Dental Implants?

March 21, 2025

Dental implants have become a popular solution for replacing missing teeth, but one of the primary challenges is ensuring that there is enough healthy jawbone to support the implant.

For patients with insufficient bone density due to conditions like periodontal disease, trauma, or tooth loss, dentists can use several techniques to regenerate jawbone.

Here’s how dentists regenerate jawbone in order to place dental implants and why it’s important for restoring your smile.

Understanding Bone Grafting

The most common method for jawbone regeneration is bone grafting. This procedure involves taking bone tissue from another area of the patient’s body, a donor, or using synthetic materials and placing it in the jaw to stimulate new bone growth [1].

There are several types of bone grafting, including:

Autografts. This involves taking bone from another site in the patient’s body, such as the hip or chin. Since it uses the patient’s own bone, there is usually a higher success rate and better integration.
Allografts. This method uses bone from a human donor that has been sterilized and processed. Allografts are generally considered safe and effective.
Xenografts. Bone material is sourced from animals, usually bovine. Xenografts serve as scaffolding for new bone growth but require more time for the body to acclimate.
Synthetic bone grafts. These are biocompatible materials created in a lab that stimulate the body to grow natural bone around them.

The Bone Regeneration Process

The process of bone regeneration for dental implants typically follows these steps:

Initial consultation. The dentist assesses the condition of the jawbone through X-rays and scans to determine the need for grafting.
Preparation. If bone grafting is necessary, your dentist will discuss the most suitable options based on your needs and potential sources for graft material.
The grafting procedure. The selected graft material is surgically implanted into the jawbone. This is done under local anesthesia, and the dentist will ensure the site is clean and properly closed post-surgery.
Healing period. After the bone graft is placed, the body needs time to heal and generate new bone. This time period generally takes a few months [2].
Implant placement. Once the jawbone is sufficiently healed and strong, your dentist will place the dental implant in the regenerated site.
Osseointegration. Over several months, the jawbone fuses with the implant in a process known as osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for the replacement tooth that, with proper care, can last a lifetime.

Benefits of Jaw Bone Regeneration

Regenerating jawbone not only makes dental implant procedures possible but also enhances the overall functionality and aesthetics of the mouth [3]. Some key benefits include:

Improved jawbone density and structure
Enhanced stability for dental implants
Prevention of further bone loss
Restoration of natural facial contours
Enhanced chewing capabilities

Find Out If You Need a Bone Graft Before Implant Placement

If you’re considering dental implants but are concerned about bone density, it’s important to consult your dentist. They can evaluate your situation and recommend the best options for regenerating jawbone and ensuring the long-term success of your dental restoration. Ready to explore your dental implant options? Contact your dentist today for a consultation!