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Bone Grafting in Reno & Fallon

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting rebuilds jawbone that has thinned after tooth loss, gum disease or injury, so a dental implant has a solid foundation. At Sierra Oral & Facial Surgery in Reno, grafts are often placed during a tooth extraction or implant visit, and the area typically heals in 3 to 6 months.

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  • Expert oral surgery care

    Surgical training for routine and complex cases.

  • Personalized comfort options

    A sedation plan based on your procedure and health history.

  • Guidance before and after

    Clear preparation, recovery support and follow-up care.

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Hi, I'm Sierra.

I can walk you through bone grafting step by step, show photos and team videos, and point you to the right pages. What would you like to know?

Sierra is an AI assistant and can't give medical advice. Please don't share personal health details. In an emergency, call 911.

What is bone grafting?

When a tooth is lost, the bone that held it begins to shrink. A bone graft adds bone or bone-like material to the area. Over time your own bone grows into the graft, creating a stronger base.

Common types include socket preservation right after an extraction, ridge augmentation to widen a narrow jaw, and a sinus lift to add bone in the upper back jaw.

Key facts

  • Healing time: 3–6 months
  • Often combined with extraction or implant
  • Types: socket, ridge, sinus lift
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Oral surgeon reviewing a 3D jaw scan with a smiling patient during a bone grafting consultation
Bone Grafting

Why consider bone grafting?

Your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend this treatment when there is an existing problem or a meaningful risk of future complications.

  • Patients planning dental implants who have thin or short bone

  • Anyone having a tooth extracted who may want an implant later

  • People with bone loss from gum disease, injury or long-term denture wear

  • Patients needing a sinus lift before upper back-tooth implants

  • Anyone whose bone has thinned after a tooth was lost years ago

  • People who want to restore facial support and jaw contour

Am I a candidate?

Most healthy adults can have a bone graft. Smoking and some medical conditions slow healing; your surgeon will plan around your health.

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What to expect from Sierra Oral & Facial Surgery

Our philosophy is simple: people first, through compassion, comfort and expertise. From your initial consultation through your recovery, we want you to feel informed, supported and confident in your care.

  1. Step 1

    Evaluation with 3D imaging

    A CBCT scan measures exactly how much bone you have and where it is needed.

    Surgeon reviewing a treatment plan with a patient

  2. Step 2

    Graft placement

    Under local anesthesia with optional sedation, your surgeon places the graft material and often a protective membrane, then closes the area with stitches.

    3D imaging used to plan oral surgery

  3. Step 3

    Healing

    Your body gradually replaces the graft with your own bone over about 3 to 6 months.

    Oral surgeon reviewing a 3D jaw scan with a smiling patient during a bone grafting consultation

  4. Step 4

    Implant placement

    Once healed, the implant is placed in strong, healthy bone. Sometimes the graft and implant happen together.

    Patient resting comfortably with sedation monitoring

Recovery

Your recovery timeline

Every patient heals at their own pace. Here is what most people can expect, and our team is a phone call away at every stage.

  1. Phase 1

    Days 1–3

    Mild swelling and soreness. Ice, rest and soft foods help.

    Healing progress

  2. Phase 2

    Week 1–2

    Avoid chewing on the area. Stitches dissolve or are removed.

    Healing progress

  3. Phase 3

    Months 3–6

    The graft matures into your own bone, ready for an implant.

    Healing progress

Risks and safety

Possible risks include infection, graft exposure or incomplete integration. Following post-op instructions closely makes the biggest difference in success.

Cost, insurance and financing

Cost depends on the graft type and size. Many patients combine grafting with extraction or implant visits to reduce appointments and cost. Estimates are provided at your consultation.

Learn about financing options

Why patients choose Sierra Oral & Facial Surgery

  • Care centered around you

    We listen to your concerns, explain your options and build a treatment plan around your needs.

  • Experience you can trust

    Our surgeons trained in hospital-based oral and maxillofacial surgery programs.

  • Comfort throughout treatment

    Personalized anesthesia options, including IV sedation, so you feel at ease before and during your procedure.

  • Support during recovery

    Detailed aftercare guidance, clear instructions and follow-up from a team that stays reachable.

  • Dr. Falke’s residency research focused on bone regeneration and bone grafting
  • 3D imaging to plan grafts precisely
  • Grafting and implant care under one roof

Get to know your oral surgeons

Meet the experienced doctors who will guide you through your bone grafting evaluation, treatment and recovery.

  • Portrait of Dr. Ryan R. Falke, DDS, oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Reno, NV

    Ryan R. Falke, DDS

    Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Founder

    Dr. Ryan R. Falke, DDS founded Sierra Oral & Facial Surgery in Reno in 2016. He trained in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Loma Linda University and focuses on wisdom teeth, dental implants, bone grafting and sedation.

    Meet Dr. Falke
  • Portrait of Dr. Kimberly Bentjen, DDS, MD, board-certified oral surgeon in Reno, NV

    Kimberly Bentjen, DDS, MD

    Board-Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

    Dr. Kimberly Bentjen, DDS, MD is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon trained at Mayo Clinic. She holds both dental and medical degrees and has practiced in Reno since 2019.

    Meet Dr. Bentjen

Still have questions about bone grafting?

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Bone Grafting FAQ

Is a bone graft painful?

The area is numbed and sedation is available, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Afterward most people have mild soreness for a few days.

Where does the graft material come from?

Grafts can come from donor bone, animal-derived bone or synthetic material, and sometimes your own bone. Your surgeon will explain the best choice for you.

How long after a bone graft can I get an implant?

Usually 3 to 6 months, depending on the graft size and location. In some cases the implant can be placed at the same time.

What is a sinus lift?

A sinus lift adds bone to the upper back jaw by gently raising the sinus floor, creating room for an implant where bone is too thin.

Do I need a bone graft after a tooth extraction?

If you are considering an implant later, socket preservation at the time of extraction can help keep the bone from shrinking.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ryan R. Falke, DDS. Last reviewed .

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Ready to learn more about bone grafting?

Whether you've been referred by your dentist or are planning ahead, schedule a consultation to learn which option is right for you.

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