Bone grafting and socket preservation are ways to help improve the thickness of the jaw bones that support the teeth in your mouth. Loss of a tooth, infections and periodontal disease (gum and bone disease) can lead to a loss of the surrounding jawbone structure that can affect the smile and oral function. Bone grafting is a technique to help preserve and build up the jaw bones to allow for stability of the teeth in the mouth. This procedure may also be required when planning to replace teeth with dental implants as adequate level of bone height and thickness are required as a foundation to support the dental implant. If your dentist is taking out a tooth or planning for a dental implant, your dentist will discuss the options for bone grafting and socket preservation to create a strong foundation for your new teeth.
