Bone & Ridge Augmentation in Falls Church, VA
Rebuild Bone Loss and Prepare for Stronger, Longer-Lasting Dental Implants
If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for dental implants — don’t give up yet. At Westphalia Dental Implant Center Falls Church, we perform advanced bone grafting and ridge augmentation procedures to rebuild your jawbone, restore natural contours, and make implant placement possible, stable, and successful.
Why Bone Grafting May Be Needed
After tooth loss, the jawbone begins to shrink — sometimes significantly — due to a lack of stimulation. Bone loss can also occur from periodontal disease, infection, or trauma. If the bone becomes too thin or narrow, it may not be able to securely hold a dental implant.
This is where bone grafting comes in.
By adding volume and density to the area, we can:
- Create a solid foundation for dental implants
- Prevent further bone loss
- Restore facial contours and support
- Improve success rates for implant dentures and All-on-Four treatments
We commonly perform bone grafting for patients from Annandale, Merrifield, and Arlington who have experienced long-term tooth loss or are preparing for extractions.
What Is Ridge Augmentation?
Ridge augmentation is a specific type of bone grafting that rebuilds the natural shape of the jaw and gumline after bone loss. This is especially important for:
- Creating proper support for implants
- Restoring a natural-looking smile line
- Preventing collapse of the ridge after tooth extractions
This treatment is often performed at the time of extraction to preserve the ridge or done later as a standalone procedure before implant placement.
Our Approach to Bone Grafting & Ridge Augmentation
At Westphalia, we use the latest materials and techniques to make grafting safe, predictable, and comfortable. Most procedures are performed right here in our office using:
- Synthetic grafting materials or natural bone substitutes
- Membranes to protect and stabilize the graft
- Digital imaging to plan the procedure precisely
- Oral sedation options for anxious patients
When is bone grafting needed?
- Before or after a tooth is extracted
- Prior to placing implants in areas of thin bone
- To rebuild atrophied ridges for cosmetic reasons
- After trauma or long-term denture wear
Can I Still Get Implants if I’ve Had Bone Loss?
Yes — absolutely. In fact, bone grafting is often what makes implants possible. Whether you’re interested in a single implant, mini implants, or implant-supported dentures, we’ll evaluate your jaw and design a personalized plan to rebuild what’s been lost — and support long-term success.
Bone Grafting & Ridge Augmentation FAQs
Is bone grafting painful?
Not typically. We use local anesthesia and offer sedation to ensure comfort. Mild soreness is normal afterward, but most patients say recovery is easier than expected.
How long does it take to heal?
Most bone grafts heal within 3 to 6 months, depending on the size and location. Once healed, we can move forward with implant placement.
Will bone grafting add a lot of time to the process?
It may add a few months of healing time before implants can be placed, but the long-term benefit is a more stable, successful outcome. In some cases, a “same-day” graft and implant can be done together.
What kind of material is used for the graft?
We use biocompatible materials, including synthetic bone or processed donor bone. These are safe, FDA-approved, and well-tolerated by the body.
Is bone grafting covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Some plans include grafting when tied to a necessary procedure like an extraction or implant. We’ll check your benefits and offer financing or our Smile Savings Plan if needed.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Rebuild Your Foundation for a Better, Longer-Lasting Smile
If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for implants, let’s take another look. Bone grafting and ridge augmentation may be the key to restoring what’s missing — and helping you smile, speak, and eat without compromise.