Bone Grafting
Rebuilding the Foundation of Your Smile
When it comes to long-term oral health, the strength of your jawbone matters just as much as the health of your teeth and gums. Whether you’ve lost bone due to gum disease, missing teeth, or trauma, bone grafting helps rebuild the structure that supports your smile — and it often plays a key role in preparing for future treatments like dental implants.
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Personalized Treatment to Support Long-Term Stability and Success
At Aaron B. Carner, DMD, LLC, with locations in Greenwood and Clinton, we offer bone grafting procedures designed to restore lost bone in a way that’s comfortable, effective, and tailored to your needs. We proudly serve patients from Coronaca, Cross Hill, Mountville, and surrounding areas, with the goal of creating a healthy, stable foundation so you can move forward with confidence.
What Is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a minor surgical procedure used to rebuild or reinforce areas of your jaw where bone has deteriorated. This loss can happen gradually over time, especially when teeth have been missing or gum disease has advanced without treatment.
The procedure involves placing bone material — either from your own body or a processed donor source — into areas where volume has been lost. Over time, your body integrates this material, creating new bone growth and restoring density.
Types of bone grafts we may use include:
- Socket preservation
Placed immediately after a tooth extraction to prevent future bone loss. - Ridge augmentation
Restores the natural contour of the jaw when bone has collapsed or deteriorated. - Sinus lift
Adds bone in the upper jaw beneath the sinus, commonly done before upper molar implants. - Periodontal bone grafting
Targets bone loss caused by gum disease to help stabilize teeth.
Why Bone Grafting Might Be Recommended
You might need a bone graft if:
- You’ve been missing teeth for a long time and want implants
- You’re preparing for a dental implant but don’t have enough bone to support it
- You’ve experienced bone loss from periodontal disease
- You want to restore facial symmetry or jaw structure before restorative treatment
In each case, bone grafting helps create a more predictable, successful outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bone grafting painful?
Dr. Aaron B. Carner performs bone grafting under local anesthesia, and sedation is available for patients who need it. Most people feel some soreness for a few days afterward, which is manageable with over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief.
How long does healing take?
Initial healing can take a few weeks, but full bone integration may take several months depending on the size of the graft and your body’s healing response. We’ll monitor your progress and let you know when the area is ready for next steps, like implant placement.
Will my body reject the graft?
Rejection is very rare. We use biocompatible materials that integrate naturally with your own bone. In some cases, we may use your own tissue, which further reduces risk.
Can this be done at the same time as other procedures?
Yes, bone grafting is often performed alongside tooth extractions or in preparation for dental implants. We’ll review your treatment plan and let you know what makes the most sense in your case.
Is it covered by insurance?
If bone loss is due to disease or needed for a restorative procedure, many dental plans offer partial coverage. We’ll help check your benefits and can also talk through payment options with CareCredit or Cherry if needed.
Let’s Build a Stronger Foundation Together
Bone grafting might sound complex, but in the right hands, it’s a routine, low-stress way to restore what’s been lost and set the stage for future dental health. Whether you’re planning for implants or addressing the effects of gum disease, we’ll walk you through it clearly and carefully.
Call us at (864) 223-0543 or send us a message to request a consultation and find out if bone grafting is right for you.