Do you need a bone graft for your teeth? The answer depends on several key factors that our Calgary oral surgery specialists check during your visit. Whether you’re thinking about dental implants at our South Calgary, Mahogany, Sunridge, or Airdrie locations, the need for bone grafting changes based on your jaw bone strength, how long teeth have been missing, and your specific treatment goals.
Quick Assessment: Do You Need a Bone Graft?
| Factor | Bone Graft Likely Needed | May Not Need Bone Graft |
| Time Since Tooth Loss | 6+ months missing | Recent extraction (within 3 months) |
| Jaw Bone Density | Thin or weak bone structure | Strong bone thickness |
| Gum Disease History | Severe gum disease | Healthy gums, no bone loss |
| Age | 50+ years (natural bone loss) | Younger patients with healthy bone |
| Implant Location | Upper jaw (especially back teeth) | Lower front teeth area |
| Number of Missing Teeth | Multiple teeth next to each other | Single tooth replacement |
Table of Contents
What Calgary Patients Need to Know About Bone Grafts
A bone graft adds bone material to your jaw where it’s too thin or weak to support a dental implant. Think of it like adding a strong foundation before building a house – the implant needs solid bone to stay in place for life.
Here’s what our Calgary patients should know:
- About 60% of dental implant patients need some type of bone grafting
- Calgary’s aging population often needs bone grafts due to natural bone loss over time
- The procedure helps create the best chance for implant success
- Most bone grafts heal completely in 3-6 months
Your jaw bone naturally shrinks when teeth are missing. This happens faster in some people than others, which is why timing matters so much for implant success.
Common Reasons Calgary Residents Need Bone Grafts
Our Calgary oral surgery team sees these situations most often:
Hockey Injuries
Calgary loves hockey, but facial injuries from pucks or collisions can damage both teeth and the supporting bone. When teeth are knocked out suddenly, the bone around them often gets damaged too.
Winter Sports Accidents
Skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating accidents frequently cause dental injuries in our Alberta patients. These high-impact injuries can crack or remove pieces of jaw bone along with teeth.
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
This is the most common reason we see for bone loss in Calgary patients over 40. Gum disease slowly eats away at the bone that holds teeth in place. By the time teeth are lost, significant bone grafting may be needed.
Long-Term Tooth Loss
Many patients wait years before replacing missing teeth. During this time, the jaw bone shrinks and becomes too thin for implants. The longer you wait, the more bone graft material you’ll likely need.
Failed Previous Dental Work
Sometimes old dental work fails and damages the surrounding bone. Bridge failures, root canal infections, or broken dental implants can all require bone grafting before new treatment.
Choosing the Right Calgary Location for Your Bone Graft
South Calgary Oral Surgery
Serving: Marda Loop, Britannia, Richmond, Altadore, Elbow Park
Our South Calgary location specializes in complex bone grafting procedures. The office has advanced 3D imaging equipment and is easily accessible from downtown Calgary.
Parking: Free patient parking available Transit: Close to 14th Street SW bus routes
Mahogany Oral Surgery
Serving: Mahogany, Auburn Bay, Cranston, Seton, McKenzie Towne
This newer location focuses on family-friendly care with shorter wait times. Perfect for busy families in Calgary’s southeast communities.
Parking: Large free parking lot Transit: Connected to SE Calgary bus routes
Sunridge Oral Surgery
Serving: Temple, Rundle, Marlborough, Forest Lawn, Radisson Heights
Our northeast Calgary location has been serving the community for over 15 years. They handle the most complex bone grafting cases and have relationships with local dentists.
Parking: Mall parking available Transit: Accessible via CTrain and multiple bus routes
Airdrie Oral Surgery
Serving: Airdrie, Cochrane, Crossfield, Carstairs
Located north of Calgary, this office serves patients who prefer staying close to home rather than traveling into the city.
Parking: Free parking at the front door Transit: Limited – most patients drive
For complete contact information for all offices please visit our locations page.
Preparing for Your Calgary Consultation
Questions to Ask Our Oral Surgery Specialists
- “How much bone graft material will I need?”
- “Where does the bone graft material come from?”
- “How long before I can get my dental implant?”
- “What will my recovery be like?”
- “How much will this cost with my insurance?”
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Current X-rays from your dentist (if available)
- Insurance cards and benefits information
- List of medications you take regularly
- Medical history including any bone conditions
- Previous dental records if you’ve had oral surgery before
Insurance Information Needed
Most Alberta dental insurance plans cover a portion of bone grafting when it’s medically necessary for implant placement. Bring:
- Your insurance card and policy number
- Recent benefits statement
- Any pre-authorization forms your dentist submitted
Medical History Requirements
Tell us about:
- Diabetes or blood sugar problems
- Osteoporosis or bone density medications
- Blood thinning medications
- Previous radiation to the head or neck
- Smoking history (affects healing)
- Autoimmune conditions
Scheduling Across Our 4 Locations
- Fastest appointments: Usually Mahogany and Airdrie locations
- Most flexible scheduling: South Calgary and Sunridge locations
- Emergency consultations: Available at all locations within 48 hours
What Happens During Your Bone Graft Consultation
Your oral surgeon will:
- Take new X-rays or 3D scans of your jaw
- Measure your bone thickness with special tools
- Check your gum health and bite
- Review your medical history for healing factors
- Explain your options and answer questions
- Provide cost estimates including insurance coverage
Most consultations take 45-60 minutes and you’ll leave with a clear treatment plan.
Ready to Find Out If You Need a Bone Graft?
Our Calgary oral surgery specialists are here to give you straight answers about your bone graft needs. Whether you’re closest to our South Calgary location in the SW, Mahogany clinic in the SE, Sunridge office in the NE, or Airdrie practice north of the city, we’ll check your jaw bone and create a treatment plan that works for your schedule and budget.
Call today to schedule your consultation:
- South Calgary Oral Surgery: 403-271-1665
- Mahogany Oral Surgery: 403-930-8189
- Sunridge Oral Surgery: 403-235-0505
- Airdrie Oral Surgery: 403-948-9598
Serving Calgary, Airdrie, and surrounding Alberta communities with expert oral surgery care since 1998.
Don’t wait – jaw bone continues to shrink the longer teeth are missing. The sooner you get evaluated, the simpler your treatment will be.
