Do I Have Enough Bone For Dental Implants?
One of the most important factors in determining your eligibility for dental implants is the quality and quantity of your jawbone. After tooth loss, the jawbone begins to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation, which can make implant placement more challenging. If you’ve been missing teeth for an extended period—or have suffered from gum disease, infection, or trauma—you may not have enough bone to support a dental implant without additional preparation.
At South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center in Gulfport, MS, our experienced oral surgeons perform advanced bone grafting procedures to restore lost bone and create a solid foundation for successful implant placement. We use 3D imaging to evaluate your jawbone and determine if grafting is needed. If bone loss is detected, we’ll recommend a customized grafting approach to rebuild the area and prepare it for future implants. With our expertise, even patients with significant bone loss can become candidates for dental implants.
Bone Grafting for Implants Process
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that adds volume and density to areas of the jawbone where it has been lost or weakened. The procedure helps regenerate healthy bone tissue, ensuring that dental implants can be securely anchored in place. At our Gulfport office, we perform several types of grafting procedures based on each patient’s unique needs:
- Socket Preservation — Performed immediately after a tooth extraction to prevent bone loss in the socket.
- Ridge Augmentation — Used to rebuild the natural contour of the jaw after significant bone resorption.
- Sinus Lift — Increases bone height in the upper jaw by lifting the sinus membrane and placing graft material beneath it.
- Block Grafting — Utilizes a solid block of bone to build up a severely deficient area.
The grafting material may be sourced from your own body, a donor, or synthetic substitutes—all chosen for safety and compatibility. Healing typically takes several months, during which the new bone integrates with your natural bone. Once healed, dental implants can be placed with a higher likelihood of long-term success.
Why Choose South Mississippi Oral Surgery?
At South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center, we’re committed to making even the most complex cases feel manageable and stress-free. Our board-certified oral surgeons—Dr. Jared Akers, Dr. Bennett York, and Dr. Spencer Remley—bring years of experience in implant preparation and bone grafting to patients throughout the Gulf Coast.
We use advanced 3D imaging and planning tools to guide every procedure and ensure precise outcomes. Licensed surgical nurses are present during all procedures to ensure your safety, and we offer multiple sedation options to maximize your comfort. As a family-owned practice based in Gulfport, we take pride in delivering personalized care and long-lasting results.
Whether you’re new to implants or need a bone graft before treatment, we’ll walk you through every step with transparency, compassion, and expert guidance.