01
A tooth has been missing a while
The bone that held it stops being stimulated and begins to shrink.
Dental Bone Graft in Katy, TX
Bone Grafting
The step before an implant, when the jawbone is no longer thick enough to hold one. Under 90 minutes in the chair, then a few months of your own bone growing.
Is this you
Is this the treatment you need?
Most patients arrive here having been told an implant is not possible yet. This is what makes it possible.
02
Periodontal disease
Advanced gum disease takes bone as well as gum.
03
Trauma or infection
An injury or an abscess that reached the bone before it was treated.
04
An extraction, just now
Bone deteriorates fast in an empty socket, which is why a graft can go in on the same day.
What the graft is actually for
- SupportDental implants, which need bone to fuse to.
- PreserveThe integrity of the jawbone that is still there.
- PreventFurther tooth loss as the ridge collapses.
- ImproveFacial structure and oral health.
The Treatment
What it is, and what it involves.
What is a bone graft?
Bone material — your own, a donor’s, animal-derived or synthetic — placed where the jaw has thinned, and held under a membrane. Over months your body replaces it with your own bone.
In the practice’s words
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure where natural or synthetic bone material is placed in the jaw to rebuild areas with insufficient bone. Over time, the graft integrates with your existing bone, creating a strong foundation for dental restorations like implants or bridges.
Stimulation: the graft material encourages new bone growth around the placement site. Osteoconduction: the graft acts as a scaffold for bone-forming cells to grow upon. Osteoinduction: certain grafts release proteins that stimulate your body’s own bone growth. Integration: over time, your natural bone replaces the graft material, creating solid, healthy bone tissue.
Five procedures, and when each one is used
- Socket preservationA graft placed straight into the socket after an extraction, before the bone can go.
- Sinus liftFor the upper jaw, where the sinus cavity leaves the bone too shallow. The membrane is raised and material added beneath it.
- Ridge augmentationWhere severe loss has collapsed the jaw ridge. It rebuilds the natural contour.
- AutogenousYour own bone, usually from the chin or the back of the jaw. The best compatibility and healing there is.
- Allograft and xenograftDonor or animal-derived material, for large areas or when you would rather not use your own bone.
Why This One
What it does for you.
A graft is rarely the treatment anyone came in for. It is what makes the treatment they came in for possible.
The implant succeeds
A higher success rate, because there is something for the post to fuse to.
Facial symmetry returns
A collapsed ridge shows in the face. Rebuilding it puts the volume back.
Bite and chewing improve
Once the restoration on top of it is in and stable.
The teeth around it are supported
Bone loss is not confined to the gap. Its neighbours are standing in the same jaw.
Further deterioration stops
The graft breaks the cycle rather than pausing it.
Your dentist
Dr. Dave Cho, DMD
Dr. Dave Cho uses minimally invasive techniques here, which is what decides how the first few days feel.
- 90Minutes or fewer, in the chair
- 5Grafting procedures offered
- 4Graft materials
Also on the teamDr. William Sung, DMDFellow of the Academy of General DentistryFour things people believe about bone grafts that are not true
- “It is extremely painful.” Modern techniques, sedation options, and pain management medications make the procedure surprisingly comfortable.
- “Recovery takes forever.” Most patients return to their normal activities within a few days. Full integration takes a few months, but day-to-day recovery is quick.
- “Grafts always fail.” With experienced care, bone grafts have high success rates and significantly improve implant outcomes.
- “Only older patients need them.” Bone loss can happen at any age through injury, disease, or extraction. This is suitable for adults of many ages.
The Path
What happens, step by step.
Consultation
Gums, teeth and jawbone assessed on digital x‑rays and 3D scans, so the loss is measured rather than estimated.
Treatment planning
Which graft material, whether you want sedation, and how long integration will take in your case.
Surgery day
The site is numbed, the material placed and secured under a membrane. Most procedures take less than 90 minutes.
Healing and integration
Several months while your own bone grows around the graft and takes it over. Normal activity resumes within days.
Start at step one.
The consultation is where you find out how much bone is missing, and whether a graft is needed at all.
Book an appointmentOr call (281) 769-8878
Before and After
The two lists that decide how this goes.
Preparing for it, and recovering from it.
BeforeAfter
Maintain excellent oral hygiene.Gentle but thorough hygiene, around the site.
Avoid smoking or vaping.Refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol.
Tell us about medications and supplements.Follow the prescribed medications.
Plan for rest and limited activity.Avoid chewing on the grafted side.
Arrange transport if you are being sedated.Attend the follow-up visits.
Where a graft leads
Grafting is almost never the end of a plan. It is the foundation under one.
- An implantPlacement once the bone has integrated, then the restoration on top.
- A full archFull-mouth implants, restored facial volume, and oral function back.
- A bridgeWhere implants anchor the bridge rather than the natural teeth.
The Cost
What it costs, before it starts.
Coverage, benefits and payment options are discussed at the consultation, alongside the plan they pay for.
No hidden feesTransparent pricing
Interest-free financing may be available for qualified patients.
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What moves the number
Which of the five procedures, how large the area is, and which graft material is used.
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Insurance and financing
Major PPO plans are accepted, with affordable financing through third-party providers. See insurance and financing.
The Proof
What Katy patients say about being here.
Really quick and easy, i was in and out for a teeth cleaning and loved every second. i am i first time customer and i will be returning soon. Doctor Tiffany and Dr Cho were VERY helpful and nice, accommodating my needs and request!
Everyone there is very nice. They were able to see my son within a day of calling. My son had a horrible experience with an extraction as a little boy and he was nervous to have a tooth pulled again. They made him feel at ease. Afterwards he said he didn’t feel a thing.
LeeLee P
Dr. Cho and his team are fantastic. They are thoughtful and kind. Always making sure you are okay. It’s easy to see how much they care about their patients. The attention to detail is impressive, whether it’s for invisalign or teeth whitening. Recently got dental veneers, and I’m loving the new smile.
Amy P
Very friendly staff and were willing to help in every way! Felt more comfortable here than at any other dentist office in the past, highly recommend!
Gabriel Sanchez
Questions
Questions patients ask before they decide.
Is bone grafting painful?
Modern techniques, sedation options and pain management medications make it surprisingly comfortable. The site is numbed with a local anaesthetic, and sedation is available if you would rather be sedated.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. Full integration — your own bone growing around and replacing the graft — takes several months, but day-to-day recovery is quick.
Do bone grafts fail?
With experienced care, bone grafts have high success rates and significantly improve implant outcomes. Smoking is the single biggest thing that puts one at risk, which is why we ask you to stop before and after.
Am I too young for this?
No. Bone loss can happen at any age through injury, disease, or tooth extraction, and bone grafting is suitable for adults of many ages.
Where does the bone come from?
Four options. Autogenous grafts use your own bone, typically from the chin or the back of the jaw, and give the best compatibility and healing. Allografts use donor bone, xenografts are animal-derived, and synthetic grafts use manufactured material. Dr. Dave Cho will recommend one and explain why.
How long is the procedure itself?
Most bone grafting procedures take less than 90 minutes. Arrange transport home if you are having sedation.
The Invitation
Ask about this one.
If you have been told there is not enough bone for an implant, this is the appointment that says whether that is still true.
- Hours
- Mon to Wed 9am to 6pm
Thu 9am to 5pm
Fri to Sun Closed - Emergencies
- Call the practice. We keep same day slots for pain, breaks and knocked out teeth.
