Facebook-f Linkedin Youtube

In St. Louis – 314-842-4699 | In Festus – 636-931-4699 | In Creve Coeur – 314 569-2201

In St. Louis – 314-842-4699 | In Festus – 636-931-4699 | In Creve Coeur – 314 569-2201

Bone Grafting for Dental Implants in St. Louis

At St. Louis South Oral Surgery, we specialize in advanced oral and maxillofacial procedures including dental implants, wisdom tooth extractions, and jaw surgery, across three state-of-the-art locations in St. Louis, Festus, and Creve Coeur. Bone grafting plays a key role in preparing patients for successful implant placement and long-term oral health.
bone grafting

What is bone grafting and why would I need it?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure used to rebuild or reinforce areas of the jawbone that have lost volume or density. This often becomes necessary before placing dental implants, which require a strong, stable foundation for long-term success. Conditions like tooth loss, infection, or trauma can lead to deterioration of the underlying bone structure, making implants difficult without first restoring bone volume using a graft.
The graft material can be sourced from the patient’s own bone, donor bone, or synthetic materials—each selected based on the specific clinical needs of the patient.

Jawbone Loss and Deterioration

Your natural teeth stimulate the jawbone during everyday activities like chewing and biting. When teeth are missing, that underlying bone no longer receives the stimulation it needs and begins to deteriorate or resorb. This process not only affects your facial appearance but can also compromise oral functionality and lead to further dental complications like drifting, loosening, or eventual loss of adjacent teeth.

Learn more about the importance of preserving jawbone health following extractions and tooth loss.

Ridge Augmentation

Ridge augmentation is performed to recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw after bone loss due to a missing tooth. Ideally performed at the time of extraction, it may also be conducted afterward to improve both aesthetic and functional outcomes. This procedure helps restore bone volume and allows dental implants to be placed securely in the ideal position.

Socket Preservation Procedure

After a tooth extraction, the socket—the bone that once held the tooth—can begin to collapse due to damage from infection or disease. A socket preservation procedure protects and preserves the ridge, avoiding the loss of bone and maintaining proper facial structure. This process helps prepare the site for future dental restorations including implants or bridges.

Jaw Bone Health

At extraction or tooth loss sites, the bone of the jaw can diminish over time. This loss of bone can develop into additional problems, both with your appearance and overall health.

The Importance of Teeth for Jaw Bone Health:
  • Problems with remaining teeth including misalignment, drifting, loosening and loss
  • Collapsed facial profile
  • Limited lip support

Sinus Lift

A sinus lift or sinus augmentation is often necessary when considering implants in the upper jaw, especially near the maxillary sinuses. When teeth in this area are lost, the sinus may expand and reduce bone availability. This procedure gently raises the sinus floor and introduces grafting material to create enough bone volume for placing upper dental implants. Learn more about the process in our article: Sinus Lift Surgery.

Dental implants need bone to hold them in place.  When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone.  A sinus augmentation can raise the sinus floor and allow for new bone formation.  A sinus lift is one of the most common bone grafting procedures for patients with bone loss in the upper jaw.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP)

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is derived directly from the patient’s own blood and is rich in natural growth factors that accelerate the healing process. At St. Louis Oral Surgery, we utilize PRP in a variety of applications, including:
  • Bone grafting during implant placement
  • Ridge augmentation and sinus lift procedures
  • Repair of bone defects from cyst removal or trauma
  • Closure and healing support in cleft lip and palate cases
By using PRP, we significantly enhance both the speed and quality of recovery, ensuring optimal treatment outcomes for our patients.

Why Choose St. Louis Oral Surgery?

Led by board-certified oral surgeon Dr. William A. Gray, our practice brings over two decades of experience in performing complex jaw surgeries, facial trauma procedures, and corrective treatments. We proudly serve patients throughout the St. Louis region at our convenient locations in:

We use cutting-edge technology, patient-focused care, and customized treatment plans for every individual we serve. Learn more about the role of bone grafting in oral health.

Office Hours

  • Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Take the Next Step Toward Restoring Your Smile

If you’ve experienced bone loss, are missing teeth, or are considering restoring your smile with dental implants, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation today to determine if bone grafting is right for you.
Book your appointment now with St. Louis Oral Surgery and experience compassionate care backed by the latest in surgical innovation.
Follow us on social media:
American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
American Association of Orla and Maxillofacial Surgeons
American Dental Association logo

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

IN ST. LOUIS & FESTUS MO

Request an Appoinment

    [cf7-simple-turnstile]

    Locations

    In St. Louis

    • 9911 Kennerly Road Ste E,
      St. Louis, MO 63128
    • 314-842-4699
    • Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

    In Festus, MO

    • 1155 East Gannon Drive Festus, MO 63028
    • 636-322-4120
    • Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

    In Creve Coeur

    • 456 N New Ballas Road Suite 249, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
    • 314-569-2201
    • Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

    Read reviews and more at St. Louis South Oral Surgery’s Google Business Profile.