Bone Grafting in Spencer, IA

What Is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a specialized oral surgical procedure that restores or enhances bone in areas where it has been lost due to trauma, infection, tooth extraction, or long-term tooth loss. At Holton Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we perform bone grafts to prepare patients for restorative treatments like dental implants or to preserve jawbone structure following tooth removal.

Loss of bone in the jaw can make it difficult or impossible to place implants without first rebuilding the area. Dr. Adam L. Holton uses advanced materials and surgical techniques to regenerate lost bone and ensure long-term success of restorative procedures. Whether you're preparing for future implant placement or need to restore bone volume after trauma or disease, our team provides precise, compassionate care in both Spencer and Storm Lake, IA.

Why Bone Grafting May Be Necessary

Bone grafting is often recommended in the following situations:

After Tooth Extractions: Bone begins to resorb naturally once a tooth is removed. Grafting can preserve the ridge and maintain bone height.
For Dental Implants: Patients who have lost bone due to missing teeth may need grafting to support secure implant placement.
To Treat Bone Loss from Gum Disease: Severe periodontal disease can deteriorate jawbone, which can be repaired with grafting.
Following Facial Trauma or Infection: Accidents, cysts, and infections can damage bone, requiring surgical reconstruction.

For patients undergoing tooth extractions, we often perform socket preservation — a type of graft that fills the extraction site to minimize bone loss.

Types of Bone Grafts Offered

Depending on your specific case, Dr. Holton may recommend one of several types of bone grafting techniques:

Socket Preservation: Placed immediately after a tooth is removed to preserve the bone structure.
Ridge Augmentation: Rebuilds the width or height of the jaw ridge for future implant placement.
Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation): Elevates the sinus floor and adds bone in the upper jaw, typically to support implants in the back teeth.
Autogenous Grafts: Uses bone from the patient's own body (often the chin or jaw) for the most compatible results.
Allografts and Xenografts: Utilize processed donor bone to stimulate regeneration when harvesting your own bone isn't ideal.

We also offer advanced planning tools such as 3D CT scanning and computer-guided surgery to ensure optimal precision and surgical outcomes.

What to Expect During Bone Grafting

Consultation and Imaging: We begin with a detailed evaluation and diagnostic imaging to determine the extent of bone loss and which grafting method is most appropriate.
Treatment Planning: Depending on your needs, we may recommend sedation options such as IV sedation to keep you relaxed and comfortable during surgery.
Surgical Procedure: The grafting material is placed into the area of bone loss and secured in place. Over time, your body integrates the graft and generates new bone.
Healing and Recovery: Recovery can take several months, depending on the type of graft. Once healed, we may proceed with implant placement or other planned procedures.

Bone grafting is a routine procedure at our practice and plays a vital role in restoring form and function to your jaw.

FAQs About Bone Grafting

Is bone grafting painful?: Bone grafting is performed under local anesthesia or sedation, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Some mild soreness afterward is normal and can be managed with medication.
How long does it take to heal after a bone graft?: Healing time varies depending on the type of graft and the patient’s overall health. In most cases, full integration takes 4–6 months before additional treatment like implants can be performed.
Can I get a dental implant without a bone graft?: If you have sufficient bone volume and density, you may not need a graft. However, bone loss is common after tooth loss, and grafting is often required for long-term implant success.
What materials are used in bone grafts?: We use a variety of materials including your own bone (autografts), donor bone (allografts), or animal bone (xenografts), depending on your needs and preferences.
Is bone grafting safe?: Yes. Bone grafting is a safe, widely performed procedure with a high success rate when done by a skilled oral surgeon like Dr. Holton.

Schedule Your Bone Grafting Consultation Today

Rebuild your jawbone and prepare for a healthier smile with expert bone grafting at Holton Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. With convenient locations in Spencer and Storm Lake, we provide advanced, patient-focused care.