Bone grafting rebuilds thin or weakened jawbone so it can support a dental implant or a stable restoration, and it is often needed for adults and seniors who have lost teeth or are about to have one removed. A common situation: a back tooth came out years ago, the gap never bothered you much, and now you are ready for an implant. Over that time, the bone under the missing tooth has slowly thinned. At Advanced Dentistry of Coral Springs, Dr. Renan Buitrago evaluates that bone carefully and, when it needs support, plans a graft as part of your overall tooth replacement.
When a tooth is lost, the bone that once held its root no longer receives the pressure of chewing. Without that stimulation, the jawbone gradually shrinks in height and width. A bone graft places bone or bone-substitute material into the area that needs it. Over time, your body uses that material as a framework and builds new bone of its own. The goal is a foundation strong enough to hold an implant securely or to keep a denture or bridge fitting well.
Grafting is not a single procedure for every patient. It may be done at the time of an extraction to preserve the socket, or later to rebuild an area that has already resorbed. Some of the situations where it may help include:
- Preserving bone right after a tooth is removed, when an implant is planned for later
- Rebuilding a site where a tooth has been missing for some time
- Strengthening bone before one or more dental implants
- Supporting areas affected by gum disease or past infection
- Improving the foundation under implant-supported bridges or dentures
Because Advanced Dentistry of Coral Springs is a solo practice, the same doctor who evaluates your bone also plans and restores your new teeth. Dr. Buitrago is a prosthodontist, a dentist with three additional years of specialty training in replacing and restoring teeth. He earned dental degrees from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (2000) and New York University (2008), completed NYU's advanced program in prosthodontics and dental implants, finished a three-year prosthodontics residency at New York Hospital Queens (Cornell), and received the Gersten Award. He has owned this Coral Springs practice since 2014.
That continuity matters with grafting. The graft is planned with the final tooth in mind: where the implant needs to sit, how the crown or bridge should look, and how your bite will come together. You see Dr. Buitrago at every visit, and your case is planned and restored here on North University Drive instead of being split between offices. Our on-site dental lab also supports the restorations that complete your treatment.
Am I a good candidate for bone grafting?
Many adults who are missing teeth or planning an implant are good candidates, and the only way to know is a careful exam. Dr. Buitrago reviews your bone volume, gum health, and medical history, and talks with you about your goals for replacing the tooth.
Healthy gums are an important starting point. If there are signs of gum disease, we may recommend gum disease treatment or scaling and root planing first, so the graft has a cleaner, healthier site. If you feel anxious about treatment, ask us about oral sedation, which can help you feel more relaxed during your visit. We are glad to answer every question before anything is scheduled, and you never need a referral to see us.
What is recovery like after a bone graft?
Most patients find recovery manageable when they follow their aftercare instructions closely. Some swelling and tenderness in the area is common in the first days, and we will give you clear guidance on eating, cleaning, and caring for the site at home.
Healing below the surface takes longer than what you can see. The new bone needs time to mature before an implant or restoration is placed, and that timeline varies from person to person. We will check your progress at follow-up visits and let you know when the site is ready for the next step. Keeping those appointments and continuing good home care give your graft its best chance to support the tooth you are working toward.
How can I pay for bone grafting?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients. Our front office team can help you understand what your plan may cover before treatment begins.
For costs not covered by insurance, we offer CareCredit, 0% and low-interest financing options, and all major credit cards. We will review your treatment plan and payment options together, so you can make a decision with clear information and no surprises.
How do I schedule a consultation?
The first step is a visit with Dr. Buitrago at our office, 2232 N University Drive, Suite B, in Coral Springs. Patients come to us from Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate, Tamarac, and nearby communities across Broward and Palm Beach counties.
If you are thinking about an implant, have been told your bone may be thin, or simply want to understand your options after losing a tooth, we would be glad to see you. Contact our office to book your visit, and we will help you take the next step with confidence.