Bone loss in the jaw doesn’t announce itself. It happens quietly after a tooth is lost or extracted — the bone no longer receives the pressure that keeps it active, so it begins to shrink. Over time, that space beneath the gum changes shape, leaving less support for future implants or bridges.
At Gamma Dental Clinic, Dr Olga Gelfand and Dr Zoren Ratner rebuild what time and injury take away. Bone grafting may sound complex, but in skilled hands it’s a measured, steady procedure. “It’s about restoring the base,” says Dr Gelfand. “Once the foundation is right, everything else becomes easier.”
The jawbone relies on the daily force of chewing to stay strong. When a tooth disappears, that stimulation ends, and bone tissue starts to thin. The process can be slow or surprisingly fast. A few months after extraction is often enough to notice a difference on a scan.
Infection, gum disease, or long-term denture wear can also contribute.
Patients usually discover bone loss when planning an implant. The scan shows an area that’s no longer thick or tall enough to hold a post securely. That’s when bone grafting becomes the next logical step, not an extra procedure but a necessary one.
A bone graft replaces the missing bone with material that encourages natural growth. It doesn’t stay foreign; the body integrates it, cell by cell, until it becomes living bone again.
Most grafts are placed under local anesthesia. The material is positioned, the site closed with a few sutures, and the area left to heal. The body does the real work in the months that follow.
“Bone is alive,” Dr Ratner often explains. “Give it the right structure and time, and it rebuilds itself.”
Socket preservation – Performed right after extraction to keep the bone ridge intact and prevent collapse.
Sinus lift – Adds bone in the upper jaw by gently raising the sinus membrane. This makes space for future implants where bone height is limited.
Ridge augmentation – Restores the natural contour of the jaw after years of bone loss.
Guided bone regeneration – A thin membrane covers the graft, protecting it while new bone forms underneath.
Each technique is chosen according to the patient’s anatomy and treatment plan. The scans tell the story; the experience of the doctors decides the method.
1. Consultation and Imaging
3-D scans and X-rays show the exact condition of the jaw. Dr Gelfand and Dr Ratner study them together and outline a plan.
2. Placement
The area is numbed completely. The graft material — whether natural or synthetic — is positioned carefully and covered for protection.
3. Healing
Over the next few months, new bones grow through the graft. The patient follows a soft diet and gentle hygiene routine.
4. Evaluation
Scans confirm integration before moving forward with implants or other restorations.
For implant or graft surgeries, follow-ups are spaced a few weeks apart. Scans confirm integration before the next stage begins. Dr Gelfand reviews the area herself, comparing bone density from image to image. “It’s satisfying,” she says, “seeing new bone where there was none before.”
Most patients return to work the next day. Swollen and mild tenderness peak within forty-eight hours and then fade. The sensation is more like pressure than pain. A cool compress and gentle rinsing are usually enough.
Healing takes time, but it follows a steady pattern. The regenerated bone becomes part of the jaw, not a layer on top. Once mature, it behaves just like natural tissue — strong, responsive, alive.
● Secure foundation for future implants
● Restored jaw shape and stability
● Prevention of further bone loss
● Improved comfort and oral function
● Balanced facial appearance after tooth loss
For many people, grafting turns a “maybe” into a “yes.” It opens the door to restorations that would otherwise be impossible.
Continuity of care. The same two clinicians plan, perform, and monitor every stage. There are no outside referrals or new faces mid-treatment.
Experience. Dr Gelfand has spent over twenty-five years restoring smiles; Dr Ratner trained in oral surgery at Maimonides Medical Center after graduating from NYU. Their combined perspective keeps both structure and aesthetics in balance.
Technology with purpose. Digital scans and imaging guide every movement but never replace human judgement.
Personal attention. Each case is explained in detail, with time for questions and realistic timelines. Patients know exactly what to expect before the first appointment.
The atmosphere in the surgery room stays calm — a rhythm built on quiet confidence rather than speed. “There’s no rush,” says Dr Ratner. “Bone doesn’t respond to force. It responds to precision.”
No. If bone height and width are adequate, an implant can often be placed directly.
The area is fully numbed during treatment. Mild tenderness afterward is normal and usually lasts a few days.
It can come from a tissue bank, a synthetic source, or a small sample of your own bone. All materials are biocompatible and medically certified.
Typically four to six months, depending on the graft size and location.
Sometimes yes. If enough natural bone remains to hold an implant stable, both can be done in one appointment.
Bone grafting becomes necessary when scans show insufficient bone for implant placement or when the jaw has changed shape after years without a tooth. Addressing it early makes future treatment simpler. As Dr Gelfand often reminds patients, “A strong base gives you more options later.”
If you’ve been told you need a bone graft in Sheepshead Bay or want to know whether your bone is ready for implants, contact Gamma Dental Clinic. Dr Olga Gelfand and Dr Zoren Ratner provide focused, modern care that rebuilds strength where it matters most.
Gamma Dental Clinic
1021 Avenue Z, Brooklyn, NY 11235
📞 (718) 769-4900