If you’re considering dental implants in Ballwin, you might need a bone graft before your procedure, especially if you’ve experienced jawbone loss after tooth loss. In this article, we’ll explain what bone grafting is, why it matters, and what local patients from Ballwin, Ellisville, and Manchester, MO should know before starting their dental implant journey.

Why Bone Grafting Matters Before Dental Implants

Dental implants are a life-changing solution for missing teeth, but they depend on a strong foundation, your jawbone. For Ballwin patients who’ve been missing teeth for a while, the jawbone begins to shrink in a process called bone resorption. This happens because the bone no longer receives the stimulation it once got from natural teeth.

Without enough bone volume and density, placing a dental implant becomes risky. The implant may fail to integrate or become unstable. That’s why bone grafting is often a critical part of dental implant preparation, especially for patients with jaw bone loss after tooth extraction or trauma.

What Happens When You Lose Bone in Your Jaw?

When a tooth is removed and not replaced quickly, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate. This is known as jawbone shrinkage or bone loss after tooth extraction. In the upper jaw, this can also lead to changes in the sinus cavity, sometimes requiring a sinus lift to create enough space for implant placement.

Over time, significant bone loss can change the shape of your face, affect how your dentures fit, and limit your ability to receive dental implants and bone grafts.

Common Types of Dental Bone Grafts

At ActOn Implants in Ballwin, your periodontist may recommend one of four types of bone grafts, depending on your needs:

• Autograft – Bone harvested from your own body, usually the chin or hip
• Allograft – Donor bone from a tissue bank, carefully sterilized and processed
• Xenograft – Bone sourced from animals (usually bovine), used as a scaffold for your natural bone to grow
• Alloplast – Synthetic materials designed to stimulate bone regeneration

For many patients, guided implant surgery is used to place graft material precisely, enhancing success and shortening recovery times. Learn more about guided implant surgery and how it improves outcomes for dental implants in Ballwin, MO.

Which Type Is Right for You?

The right type of bone graft depends on your medical history, how much bone you’ve lost, and your overall treatment plan. Dr. Matthew Slaven, a respected implant dentist in Ballwin, MO, will evaluate your case and recommend the safest, most effective grafting option. At ActOn, we’re proud to provide personalized treatment for patients from Ballwin, Clarkson Valley, and surrounding communities.

What to Expect from the Bone Graft Procedure

If you’re getting a bone graft in Ballwin, here’s what the process typically involves:

1. Consultation: Your periodontist will take 3D scans to assess bone loss and plan your grafting procedure.
2. Procedure: Performed under local anesthesia, the grafting material is placed where the bone is deficient.
3. Recovery: Healing usually takes 3 to 6 months, allowing the graft to fuse with your natural bone.

After surgery, you may experience minor swelling, discomfort, and dietary restrictions. Stick to soft foods, follow your care instructions, and avoid strenuous activity. Your provider at ActOn Implants will check your progress during follow-ups to ensure a smooth healing process before moving to the implant phase.

Cost of Bone Grafting in Missouri

The bone graft dental cost in Missouri varies based on the type of graft, the complexity of your case, and whether it’s bundled with dental implants. At ActOn Implants, we provide affordable implant solutions in Missouri by offering treatment packages that may include grafting as part of your total plan.

Our team is happy to walk you through pricing and flexible options, so you can get the care you need without stress. Explore affordable dental implants in Ballwin for more details.

Am I a Candidate for Bone Grafting?

Not everyone needs a bone graft, but you might if:

• It’s been several months or years since losing a tooth
• You’ve noticed facial changes due to jaw bone loss
• You have low bone density in your jaw
• You have medical conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis
• You want long-term success with dental implants

Whether you’re from Ballwin, Ellisville, or Manchester, a full evaluation at ActOn Implants can determine if you’re a candidate. If you’re exploring dental implant preparation, it’s best to start early, especially if you’ve delayed treatment.

Next Steps for Ballwin Patients Considering Dental Implants

If you’re thinking about getting dental implants near Ballwin, start with a consultation at ActOn Implants. Dr. Matthew Slaven and our experienced team will guide you through every step, from bone grafting and tooth extraction and implant timing to long-term care.

We use guided implant placement to ensure accurate, safe results, and offer support for patients across Ballwin, Ellisville, and the St. Louis area. 

Learn more about tooth extraction and implant timing or explore guided implant surgery to see how technology improves outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting for Dental Implants in Ballwin

What is a bone graft and why is it needed for dental implants?

A bone graft is a minor surgical procedure that replaces missing bone in your jaw to support a dental implant. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone underneath can shrink over time due to lack of stimulation. Without enough bone density, implants cannot fuse properly with the jaw. That’s why a bone graft is often required before placing dental implants. It helps rebuild the foundation for a strong, stable restoration.

How long does it take to heal from a bone graft?

Most patients heal from a dental bone graft within 3 to 6 months, depending on the size of the graft and their overall health. During this time, the new bone integrates with your natural jawbone through a process called osseointegration. If you’re receiving care in Ballwin, MO, your periodontist will monitor healing progress closely before scheduling implant placement.

Is bone grafting painful?

Bone grafting is typically not painful thanks to local anesthesia and gentle surgical techniques. After the procedure, patients may experience mild soreness, swelling, or bruising, similar to a tooth extraction. These side effects can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and usually subside within a few days. Most Ballwin patients find the recovery quite manageable.

How much does a bone graft cost near Ballwin, MO?

The cost of a dental bone graft near Ballwin, MO can range from $300 to $1,500 or more depending on the type of graft used, whether it’s combined with guided implant surgery, and if sedation is needed. At ActOn Implants, bone grafting may be included in your overall dental implant treatment plan. We offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options to make care more affordable.

Can you get dental implants without a bone graft?

Yes, some patients can get dental implants without a bone graft, but only if they have enough healthy jawbone to support the implant. If you’ve recently lost a tooth or still have strong bone density, grafting might not be necessary. However, many patients in Ballwin, Ellisville, and nearby areas do require a graft, especially if they’ve waited months or years to replace a missing tooth.

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

Dr. Slaven and the ActOn Implants team are here to help you regain your confidence with affordable dental implants in Ballwin. Whether you need a simple graft or advanced dental implants and bone grafts, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and explore your options.