BONE GRAFTING IN ALBUQUERQUE, NM

Rebuilding Strong, Healthy Bone for Long-Term Implant Success

For many Albuquerque patients, bone loss becomes a problem long before they realize it's happening. When a tooth is removed or has been missing for years, the jawbone slowly thins out—sometimes enough that placing a dental implant requires reinforcement. Bone grafting is the procedure that restores this foundation so implants can be placed securely and last for decades.

At Osuna Dental Care, we use CBCT-guided planning and high-quality grafting materials to rebuild bone predictably and comfortably. Whether you need a simple socket graft following an extraction or more advanced ridge augmentation, our approach ensures your jaw has the strength needed to support a future implant and maintain facial structure.

What Bone Grafting Actually Does

Bone grafting is a technique that strengthens weak or thinning areas of the jaw by adding natural or biomimetic bone material. Over time, this grafted material integrates with your own bone, creating a stronger, more stable foundation.

Patients typically need grafting when:

• a tooth has been missing for an extended period

• gum disease has damaged bone

• infection has compromised the socket

• they’re preparing for a dental implant

• the ridge is too thin to support anything stable

Grafting preserves options. It keeps implant placement predictable and protects long-term function.

Why Bone Loss Happens

Bone loss is a normal biological response after tooth removal. Without a tooth root to stimulate the bone, the body begins to reabsorb that area, causing the ridge to shrink and flatten. This can happen surprisingly fast—sometimes within the first few months after a tooth is lost.

Bone loss is also common in patients with:

• periodontal disease

• chronic infections

• denture wear

• significant decay or trauma

The longer the bone is left unsupported, the more it continues to shrink.

The Types of Bone Grafts Used at Osuna Dental Care

Every patient’s situation is different, so we tailor grafting based on your anatomy and long-term restorative plan.

1. Socket Preservation (Post-Extraction Graft)

This is the most common type of graft. After a tooth is removed, we fill the empty socket with grafting material to prevent the ridge from collapsing. Socket preservation is an excellent choice for patients who eventually want a dental implant or simply want to protect the shape of their bone.

This step also makes same-day dental implant placement more predictable for certain cases.
Learn more about our implant approach here:
https://osunadentalcare.com/same-day-dental-implants-in-albuquerque-nm

2. Ridge Augmentation

Sometimes the ridge becomes too narrow or shallow to hold an implant properly. Ridge augmentation adds volume back to the jaw to rebuild an ideal shape.

This is often recommended when preparing for:

• a single implant

• multiple implants

• or a full set of fixed teeth

Patients considering full-arch options, such as full mouth implants, often benefit from ridge augmentation to ensure a strong, balanced base.
More information:
https://osunadentalcare.com/full-mouth-dental-implants-in-albuquerque-nm

3. Sinus Lift (Sinus Elevation)

When upper back teeth are missing, the sinus cavity tends to expand downward into the area where the roots used to be. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus membrane and adds bone beneath it to create space for implants.

We offer both crestal (internal) and lateral sinus lift techniques depending on the amount of bone needed.
If you'd like to explore this further, visit our sinus lift page:
https://osunadentalcare.com/sinus-lift-albuquerque

4. Guided Bone Regeneration

Guided bone regeneration uses membrane barriers to direct bone growth exactly where it’s needed. This is especially important in esthetic areas where the gums and bone must be shaped precisely to support natural-looking results.

5. Block Grafts

Used in more advanced cases, block grafts rebuild significant defects or areas with severe bone loss. This approach creates the volume needed for implants in cases where simpler grafts aren’t sufficient.

6. PRF-Enhanced Grafting

We often incorporate Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), made from your own blood, to accelerate healing and boost graft integration. PRF helps improve tissue response and reduces inflammation during recovery.

Do All Patients Need Bone Grafting for Implants?

No—many patients have naturally strong bone and can receive implants without additional procedures.

However, grafting is often recommended when:

• the ridge is too thin

• an infection has damaged bone

• the implant needs more support for long-term stability

• a patient wants ideal esthetics in the front teeth

• the sinus has drifted downward

A quick CBCT scan helps us determine whether grafting will benefit your specific case.

If you’re beginning to explore implant options, this scan helps guide treatment.
You can learn more about implant options here:
https://osunadentalcare.com/dental-implants-in-albuquerque-nm

Why Bone Grafting Improves Long-Term Implant Success

Dental implants work best when they are anchored into strong, healthy bone. When the bone is too thin or weak, the implant may not integrate properly or withstand chewing forces over time.

Bone grafting:

• improves implant stability

• reduces risk of implant failure

• strengthens the jaw for decades

• enhances esthetics (especially for front teeth)

• ensures the crown or prosthesis looks natural

• prevents further bone loss

It’s one of the most important investments you can make to support long-term implant success.

Bone Grafting for Full-Arch Implant Cases

Many full-arch patients qualify for All-on-4® fixed implant teeth, which often avoid the need for extensive grafting thanks to angled implant placement.

Patients who want to understand this treatment better can visit our All-on-4 page:
https://osunadentalcare.com/all-on-four-dental-implants-in-albuquerque-nm

However, bone grafting may still be appropriate in some full-arch cases for:

• improving anterior esthetics

• leveling the ridge

• repairing localized defects

• reinforcing areas of significant bone loss

Full-mouth cases are evaluated with CBCT scans to determine the safest and strongest approach.

Healing and Recovery After Bone Grafting

Healing time varies depending on the type of graft:

• socket grafts: 2–4 months

• small ridge grafts: 4 months

• large ridge augmentation: 4–6 months

• sinus lifts: 4–9 months

• block grafts: 6–9 months

During this time, the graft slowly integrates with your natural bone, creating a stable foundation for implants or other restorative procedures.

A follow-up CBCT scan is taken before placing the implant to ensure ideal stability.

Bone Grafting Cost in Albuquerque

Costs vary based on the size and type of graft:

• Socket preservation: $300 – $600

• Ridge augmentation: $600 – $2,500

• Crestal sinus lift: $800 – $1,500

• Lateral sinus lift: $2,000 – $3,500+

• Block graft: $3,000+

These fees include materials, digital planning, and follow-up evaluation.

Patients who are planning future dental implants find that grafting protects their long-term investment. Learn more about implant pricing here:
https://osunadentalcare.com/dental-implant-cost-albuquerque

FAQ — Bone Grafting in Albuquerque

Is bone grafting painful?

Most patients describe it as mild discomfort. Guided surgery and PRF help reduce inflammation.

Where does the graft material come from?

We primarily use highly purified, medical-grade allograft or synthetic grafting materials. They’re safe and integrate predictably.

Will I be able to feel the bone graft?

No. The graft is placed beneath the gum tissue and secured.

Can smokers get bone grafts?

Smoking affects healing, but some patients still qualify. We evaluate each case individually.

How long before I can get an implant?

Depending on the type of graft, healing typically ranges from 2–9 months.

Schedule Your Bone Grafting Evaluation

If you're preparing for implants or simply want to preserve bone after an extraction, a CBCT-based evaluation will give you clarity on the best steps forward. Our team will walk you through your options and design a plan that fits your long-term goals.

We proudly serve Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Corrales, the North Valley, and surrounding communities.

Osuna Dental Care

Osuna Dental Care
5900 Cubero Dr NE Ste B
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 884-1989