Bone Grafting in McKinney, TX
If you have been told you need a bone graft before getting a dental implant, you might have felt a little thrown off by that news. It sounds more intimidating than it actually is. At Vital Dental, Dr. Asad Ahsan DDS performs bone grafting in McKinney, TX, as part of a comprehensive approach to implant dentistry that addresses what your jaw actually needs before anything else is placed.
Reasons for Jaw Bone Loss
The jawbone needs stimulation to maintain its density and volume. That stimulation comes from tooth roots. Biting and chewing put force through your roots to the surrounding bone, which stimulates it to remain healthy and active.
When a tooth is lost or extracted, that stimulation is lost, and the bone in that area begins to shrink. The process starts quickly, within the first few months after an extraction, and continues over time if nothing is done to address it.
There are other causes of bone loss, such as the presence of periodontal disease that destroys the jawbone that supports the teeth, poorly fitting dentures that exert pressure on different parts of the jaw, an injury to the jaw, and medical conditions that affect the body.
What Is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical technique in which we place bone material in an area of the jaw that has lost density or volume. The graft material is a scaffold that supports new bone growth over time. As healing takes place, the graft becomes part of the surrounding tissue and helps to re-form the jaw back to its normal shape in that area.
Types of Bone Graft Material
There are many types of graft material, and Dr. Ahsan will suggest the best one for your situation.
Autograft: Bone taken from another area of your own body. This is considered the gold standard because the body accepts it readily, but it does require a second surgical site.
Allograft: Donor bone from a human tissue bank that has been processed and sterilized. It is widely used and well tolerated, and eliminates the need for a second surgical site.
Xenograft: Bone derived from animal sources, most commonly bovine. It is biocompatible and has a long track record of successful use in dental bone grafting.
Synthetic Grafts: Man-made materials that mimic the structure of bone and serve as a scaffold for new bone growth. They are a good option for patients who prefer not to use biological material.
For More Information
The Bone Graft Procedure
The procedure begins with a thorough examination of your bone structure, including digital X-rays and a full evaluation. Dr. Ahsan maps out the extent of the bone loss and determines which type of graft and which material makes the most sense for your situation.
On the day of the procedure, the area is numbed with local anesthesia. Dr. Ahsan makes a small incision in the gum to expose the bone before placing and securing the graft material. The gum is then closed and sutured. The whole procedure is done in our office, and most patients go home the same day.
Healing takes place over several months as the graft material is gradually replaced by your own new bone. Dr. Ahsan keeps an eye on healing at follow-up visits and determines when there is enough bone to place the implants. Most patients are ready for their implants in three to six months, depending on the size of the graft.
What to Expect After Bone Grafting
Some swelling, mild discomfort, and minor bleeding in the first few days after the procedure are normal. Over-the-counter pain medication is usually sufficient to manage any discomfort. Dr. Ahsan provides specific aftercare instructions before you leave, including dietary guidelines for the first week, how to keep the area clean, and what signs to watch for that would warrant a call to the office.
Most patients return to normal activity within a few days. The graft site should be treated gently during the healing period, and you will avoid putting direct pressure on the area with hard or crunchy foods until healing is well underway.
Reasons to Choose Us for Bone Grafting in McKinney, TX
Our lead dentist, Dr. Ahsan, has more than 15 years of clinical experience and continues to have advanced training each year to keep up to date with the latest in implant dentistry and surgical techniques. Bone grafting is one procedure where precision and experience directly affect outcomes, and Dr. Ahsan brings both to every case he treats.
If you are anxious about dental work, we offer laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation to keep you comfortable. Patient comfort was a priority in the design of the office, which features soft leather chairs and personal TVs in every treatment room.
Our practice works with major PPO plans, including Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Tricare, and Principal. We offer financing through CareCredit, LendingClub, and Cherry to those patients who need flexible payment solutions.
What People Say About us
Our Reputation, Built One Smile at a Time.
Friendly and Knowledgeable staff all around. Took good care of me and explained my plans very well.
~ Angel F.
I had such a great experience at Vital Dental! The staff was friendly, professional, and made me feel comfortable the whole time. Daisy was wonderful!!! She was patient, kind, and really went above and beyond to make sure everything went smoothly. The dentist took the time to explain everything clearly.
~ Bianca
Our family had a really great experience at Vital Dentistry. Dr. Asad is amazing — he took the time to understand our needs and explained everything clearly. You can tell he genuinely cares about his patients. The staff is also fantastic; everyone is friendly and welcoming.
~ Danish Imam
Everyone who works here is so kind and efficient. This is a well oiled machine if you will. Every time I’m here Customer seemed very happy with how well they’re treated. I’ve even referred to people to come out here and they’ve been successfully taken care of. Oh the X-rays are easy and used with very low dose!
~ Ramon Maganda
Such a great experience! The front staff zee and fran was welcoming, the office was clean, and Dr. Asad took time to explain everything. Definitely coming back.
~ Fizza Z.
Zee at the front desk is absolutely amazing! From the moment you walk into the dental office, she makes you feel welcomed and comfortable. She is friendly, professional, and always has a positive attitude.
~ Mir H.
Clean and friendly, Zee at front desk was very helpful and friendly. Would recommend for sure!!
~ Rida F.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the services.
How long do I have to wait after a bone graft before getting an implant?
Most patients wait three to six months after bone grafting before implant placement. The timeline depends on the size of the graft and how quickly your body generates new bone. Dr. Ahsan will check the healing at follow-up visits and tell you when the bone is ready.
Can a bone graft fail?
Bone graft failure is rare, but it can occur, especially in patients who smoke, have uncontrolled diabetes, or don’t follow aftercare instructions. Dr. Ahsan will discuss any factors that could impact healing during your consultation and take steps to minimize risk prior to moving forward.
What if I don’t want a bone graft and just skip the implant?
Failure to address a missing tooth allows the bone loss to continue over time. In some cases, bone loss reaches a point where reconstruction becomes significantly more involved. Addressing it sooner rather than later almost always results in simpler treatment and better outcomes.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Don’t have sufficient bone density for a dental implant? We offer expert bone grafting in McKinney, TX, to help you successfully replace missing teeth. Call us at (972) 984-1700 to book an appointment!