Bone grafts are used to replace missing or damaged bone in the jaw. A bone transplant can repair and restore the damaged bone needed to support a dental implant, whether a cavity has reduced your tooth to an empty, gummy gap after an extraction or gum disease has created loose teeth. Bone grafts can also be used to treat fractures of the jaws that don't heal properly. The bone graft will help the fracture heal correctly so you can regain full use of your mouth. If you're missing some or all of your teeth, a dentist may suggest a bone graft to promote healing after tooth extraction. A bone graft involves the slow release of growth factors which stimulate new bone cell production at the site where it's needed most. This process allows the body to heal the wound more effectively and quickly without relying on painkillers. Once the bone graft has healed, the dentist will install a dental implant into the hole left by the extracted tooth or teeth. The implant serves as a supportive structure for a permanent replacement tooth. If you're interested in learning more about dental implants, contact us today at Brookdale Dental Group.