Bone Graft in Ballwin, MO
When you lose a tooth, your jawbone begins to shrink in that area. Over time, that bone loss makes it harder to place dental implants or wear dentures comfortably. A bone graft rebuilds lost bone, giving your jaw the strength it needs to support replacement teeth.
If you are looking for a Bone Graft in Ballwin, MO, this procedure plays a key role in restoring your oral health and preparing your jaw for long-term tooth replacement.
At Legacy Dental Care in Ballwin, MO, we perform bone grafts as part of a complete, patient-focused treatment plan. Whether you need a graft before an implant or to preserve bone after an extraction, our team walks you through every step so you know exactly what to expect.
What Is a Bone Graft?
A bone graft is a procedure that adds bone or bone-like material to an area of your jaw where bone has been lost or is insufficient. The graft material acts as a scaffold. Over the following weeks and months, your body grows new, natural bone around it, creating a stable base for dental work.
Bone grafts are common, well-established procedures. Dentists perform them routinely before implant placement, after extractions, and to treat bone loss caused by gum disease.
Why You Might Need a Bone Graft
Preparing for dental implants
Tooth extraction
Gum disease
Jaw injury
Long-term tooth loss
Types of Bone Grafts We Offer
- Socket Preservation Graft: This graft goes directly into the socket immediately after a tooth extraction. It prevents the bone from collapsing inward, keeping the site ready for an implant later.
- Ridge Augmentation: If bone has already been lost and the ridge of your jaw has flattened or narrowed, a ridge augmentation builds it back up. This restores both function and the natural contour of your jaw.
- Sinus Lift: When you need implants in the upper back of your mouth, the sinus floor sometimes sits too low to allow adequate bone height. A sinus lift raises the sinus membrane and adds bone material beneath it, creating space for implants.
- Periodontal Bone Graft: Gum disease erodes the bone around tooth roots. A periodontal bone graft repairs that damage, stabilizes loose teeth, and reduces the risk of further bone loss.
What to Expect During Your Bone Graft Procedure
- Consultation and planning: We review your X-rays and 3D scans, discuss your medical history, and confirm which graft type best fits your needs. We answer all your questions before any treatment begins.
- Anesthesia: On the day of your procedure, we apply local anesthesia to the treatment area. Sedation options are also available if you feel anxious.
- Graft placement: We gently clean the area and place the graft material in the target site. We then cover it with a protective membrane and close the area with sutures.
- Healing: Over the next several months, your body integrates the graft material and grows new bone. We monitor your healing at follow-up visits.
- Next steps: Once the graft has fully integrated, we move forward with the next phase of your treatment, whether that is implant placement or another restorative procedure.
Meet Your Dentist: Brandon Cousins, DDS
Dr. Brandon Cousins built Legacy Dental Care on two principles: never stop learning, never stop listening. He earned his undergraduate degree from Westminster College in Fulton, MO, continued at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO, and completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Oklahoma Dental School in Oklahoma City, OK. His goal is simple: give every patient the confidence to smile without hesitation.
- Westminster College, Fulton, MO
- University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
- University of Oklahoma Dental School, Oklahoma City, OK
Cost of Bone Graft in Ballwin, MO
Procedure | Estimated Cost Range | Notes |
Socket Preservation Graft | $300 to $800 per site | Placed immediately after extraction |
Ridge Augmentation | $1,500 to $3,000 per site | Cost increases with the extent of bone loss |
Sinus Lift | $1,500 to $5,000 | The lateral window approach sits at the higher end |
Periodontal Bone Graft | $600 to $3,000 | Depends on the number of teeth involved |
Note: These are general estimates. Your final cost depends on your clinical needs, graft material, and whether the procedure is combined with other treatments.
Graft Materials: Safe, Proven Options
- Autograft: Bone taken from another area of your own body. This is the gold standard for compatibility.
- Allograft: Donated human bone that has been processed and sterilized. Widely used and clinically proven.
- Xenograft: Bone material derived from animals, most often bovine (cow) bone. Processed to remove all organic components.
- Alloplast: Fully synthetic bone substitute made from materials such as calcium phosphate or hydroxyapatite.
We discuss your options with you so you feel informed and comfortable with the material chosen for your graft.
Bone Graft and Dental Implants: A Natural Combination
For many patients, a bone graft is the first step toward getting dental implants. Implants require a minimum amount of bone height and width to anchor properly. Without that bone, the implant has nothing solid to hold onto.
A bone graft creates that foundation. Once healing is complete, we assess your bone volume and proceed with implant placement. The result is a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
If you were told in the past that you do not have enough bone for implants, a bone graft in Ballwin, MO, at Legacy Dental Care could change that outcome. Schedule a consultation to review your current bone levels and discuss your options.
Our Happy Client Testimonials
Why Our Patients Love Us
Dr. Cousins and the entire staff are extremely efficient and friendly. Dr. Cousins is incredibly detail oriented. The dental hygiene staff are terrific as well as the office personnel. I would recommend Legacy Dental to anyone. You are treated, and respected, as a patient not as a number.
McKenna did a fantastic job cleaning my teeth as usual!
Recovery: What You Need to Know
- Some swelling, mild discomfort, and bruising in the first few days are normal. Prescribed medications manage this well.
- Stick to soft foods for the first week or two. Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could disturb the graft site.
- Avoid smoking. Tobacco interferes with blood flow and significantly slows healing. It also raises the risk of graft failure.
- Keep follow-up appointments. We track bone integration over several months to confirm the graft is progressing as expected.
- Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days. Full bone integration typically takes three to six months, depending on the size of the graft.
Why Patients Choose Legacy Dental Care for Bone Grafts in Ballwin, MO
Patients across Ballwin and the surrounding areas trust Legacy Dental Care because we combine technical skill with genuine patient care. Here is what sets us apart:
Accurate diagnosis
Advanced imaging technology, including CT scans, allows us to plan your graft with precision before we begin.
Personalized treatment
Clear communication
Insurance-friendly
Flexible scheduling
Dedicated care
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you have questions about bone grafts or want to find out whether you are a candidate, we are here to help. Contact Legacy Dental Care in Ballwin, MO, today.
Call 636-235-7797Â or visit 485 Wildwood Pkwy #5, Ballwin, MO 63011.
We accept most major insurance plans. Our team helps you understand your benefits before treatment begins.
FAQs
Does a bone graft hurt?
How long does it take for a bone graft to heal?
Can I get a bone graft and an implant at the same time?
Will my insurance cover a bone graft?
What happens if I skip a bone graft and get an implant anyway?
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