Bone Grafting in Charleston, SC

Rebuilding the Foundation for a Healthy, Restored Smile

A healthy jawbone is essential not only for supporting your teeth but also for enabling restorative treatments like dental implants. At Hehr Oral Surgery, we offer advanced bone grafting procedures to rebuild lost bone, restore structural integrity, and maintain proper oral function. Dr. R. Jason J. Hehr, DMD utilizes proven surgical techniques and modern technology to ensure accurate, effective results. We welcome patients from Charleston, MacLaura Hall, Ladson, Hanahan, Summerville, St. George, Walterboro, Orangeburg, Santee, and Holly Hill—no referral required.

The Importance of Jaw Bone Health

A strong, stable jawbone provides the structural support needed for natural teeth and implants. It also helps maintain facial symmetry and prevents the sunken appearance that can occur after tooth loss. When the jawbone deteriorates, it compromises your oral function and reduces treatment options.

Understanding Jaw Bone Loss and Deterioration

Bone loss in the jaw often follows tooth extraction, gum disease, trauma, or long-term denture wear. When a tooth is missing, the bone that once supported it no longer receives stimulation from chewing forces and begins to resorb. Over time, this deterioration can become significant, affecting your ability to receive dental implants and other restorative procedures.

What Is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical process used to replace or regenerate bone in areas where it has been lost. Using either your own bone, donor tissue, or synthetic materials, the graft serves as a scaffold for new bone growth, helping to rebuild the jaw and restore volume.

At our Charleston practice, we tailor each bone grafting treatment to your unique anatomy and goals. Dr. Hehr will assess your case using detailed 3D imaging before recommending the most appropriate technique.

Types of Bone Grafting Procedures We Offer

Ridge Augmentation

This procedure rebuilds the width and height of the jawbone after significant bone loss, often in preparation for dental implants. It restores the natural contour of the jaw for both functional and aesthetic purposes.

Sinus Lift

When bone height is insufficient in the upper back jaw, a sinus lift raises the sinus membrane and places grafting material into the space. This allows for safe and stable placement of implants in the posterior maxilla.

Socket Preservation

Immediately after a tooth extraction, socket preservation helps maintain bone volume by placing grafting material directly into the empty socket. This prevents bone collapse and makes future implant placement more predictable.

What to Expect from the Bone Grafting Process

Bone grafting is typically performed under local anesthesia or I.V. sedation, both of which are offered at our accredited surgical facility. Most procedures take about 45–90 minutes depending on the extent of the graft. After surgery, the area will heal gradually as new bone integrates with the graft material—a process that can take several months.

You’ll be given specific post-op care instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor healing. Once sufficient bone has developed, you’ll be cleared for the next phase of your treatment, such as dental implant placement.