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What is a dental bone graft? Question

A dental bone graft adds material to the jaw to replace lost or thin bone. Your body uses it as a frame to grow its own bone. The material can be your own bone, donor bone, animal bone or a lab-made substitute. Grafts are used before implants, after extractions, and to treat bone loss from gum disease.

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What to know

  • Most people report little to no pain.
  • Initial recovery takes about 1 week.
  • A graft can last a lifetime when an implant keeps the bone in use.

Sources

  1. Cleveland Clinic: Dental Bone Graft
  2. AAP: Dental Implant Procedures

Reviewed by , Director of IT and Medical Compliance: 25 years in dentistry, medicine and HIPAA compliance. Updated . Checked against the sources listed. General information, not medical advice.

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