Rebuilding Bone Structure to Support a Healthier Smile
Bone grafting is a specialized procedure that restores or enhances the density of your jawbone—most often in preparation for dental implants. At Family Dental Care in Merrillville, IN, we offer expert bone grafting services to help patients regain lost bone tissue and improve oral function. If you’ve been told you're not a candidate for implants due to bone loss, a bone graft may be the first step toward restoring your smile.
Whether bone loss results from gum disease, injury, tooth extraction, or long-term denture use, this procedure enables long-term stability for future restorations such as dental implants or implant-supported restorations.
Why Bone Grafting May Be Necessary
A healthy jawbone is essential for the structural integrity of your mouth and the success of any implant or restorative treatment. When teeth are missing, the jawbone begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation.
Common reasons patients may need bone grafting include:
- Preparation for implant placement
- Bone loss due to periodontal disease
- Trauma or injury to the face or jaw
- Long-term use of removable dentures
- Tooth loss with delayed implant planning
At Family Dental Care, we’ll carefully evaluate your needs using advanced diagnostic imaging and determine whether bone grafting is appropriate.
What Happens During a Bone Graft Procedure?
The bone grafting process is performed under local anesthesia with the option for sedation to ensure comfort. Depending on your situation, Dr. Chanbo Sim may use natural bone tissue or synthetic grafting materials.
Here’s what the process typically includes:
- Evaluation and Imaging
Using high-resolution imaging, we assess bone volume and density in the area requiring augmentation. - Graft Placement
The grafting material is placed in the area where bone is deficient. A protective membrane may be added to encourage healing and protect the graft. - Healing Period
Over the next several months, the graft integrates with your natural bone—a process known as osseointegration—creating a strong foundation for future treatment. - Follow-Up Planning
Once healed, patients may proceed with procedures such as All-on-4 implants or dental bridges depending on their treatment goals.
We also offer related procedures such as non-surgical gum therapy to treat periodontal disease that may have caused the bone loss in the first place.
Types of Bone Grafting Offered at Our Merrillville Practice
We provide several bone grafting options depending on your oral health and treatment plan:
- Socket Preservation
Performed immediately after tooth extraction to prevent bone loss in the socket area. - Ridge Augmentation
Rebuilds the natural contour of the jaw and gums where bone has deteriorated. - Sinus Lift
Adds bone below the sinus in the upper jaw, commonly required before placing implants in the back teeth. - Minor Bone Grafts
Small-volume grafts to support individual implants or repair areas with slight bone loss.
Dr. Sim will guide you through the options during your consultation to select the most appropriate approach.
Is Bone Grafting Safe?
Yes. Bone grafting is a proven, safe procedure with high success rates—especially when performed by a dentist experienced in implant and surgical care. At Family Dental Care, we use biocompatible materials and adhere to strict sterilization and surgical protocols.
Post-surgical discomfort is generally mild and manageable with prescribed medications. Most patients resume daily activities within a few days.
We also offer services such as oral sedation to help patients remain relaxed during procedures.
Who Needs Bone Grafting Before Dental Implants?
Bone grafting is most often required for patients who:
- Lost teeth more than a year ago
- Have had chronic periodontal disease
- Wear removable dentures and experience jawbone shrinkage
- Suffered trauma to the jaw
- Are considering dental crowns or implant-supported restorations but lack bone density
Even if you’ve been turned away elsewhere due to bone loss, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. We’ve helped many patients move forward with successful implant treatment through supportive therapies like bone grafting.
Serving Merrillville and Nearby Communities
Our office is conveniently located in Merrillville, just minutes from neighboring cities including:
- Crown Point
- Hobart
- Schererville
- Valparaiso
- Gary
- Griffith
We’ve proudly served Northwest Indiana for over 30 years, offering comprehensive dental care under one roof—including general dentistry, cosmetic treatments, and advanced surgical procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting
How long does it take to heal after a bone graft?
Healing time depends on the type of graft and your overall health. Most patients require three to six months for full integration before proceeding with implants or restorations.
Is a bone graft painful?
The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia, and many patients report only minor discomfort afterward. Swelling and soreness can typically be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers.
What is the success rate of dental bone grafts?
When performed by an experienced dentist, bone grafts have a success rate of over 90%. Following post-op care instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene will help ensure a smooth recovery.
Can I get a bone graft and dental implant at the same time?
In some cases, yes. If the bone loss is minimal, we may be able to place a dental implant during the same procedure. Dr. Sim will assess this during your consultation.
What type of bone is used in the grafting procedure?
We use biocompatible materials including synthetic grafts or processed donor bone. All materials are FDA-approved and safe for medical use. In some cases, your own bone may be used, depending on the procedure.
Do I always need a bone graft before getting dental implants?
Not always. Some patients have adequate bone structure to support implants without grafting. Our dental implant consultation process includes an evaluation to determine if bone grafting is necessary.
Schedule Your Bone Grafting Consultation in Merrillville
If you've been told you're not a candidate for implants due to bone loss, bone grafting at Family Dental Care could be your path forward. Dr. Chanbo Sim brings decades of surgical and restorative experience to each case, ensuring you receive attentive, personalized care.
Phone: (219) 769-6316
Take the first step toward rebuilding your smile. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.