Can You Perform a Bone Graft with a Gum Graft?

Can a bone graft be done before a gum graft? The short answer: not for this patient. Growing bone vertically is unpredictable and difficult, so our focus for this patient was to thicken the gum tissue to help prevent future bone loss.

However, there is a procedure called SFOT (Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy). It combines orthodontic treatment (such as Invisalign or braces) with both a bone graft and a gum graft in the same procedure. This helps rebuild and thicken the bone and gum tissue simultaneously — but it only works when orthodontic tooth movement is part of the treatment plan.

Since this patient wasn’t undergoing orthodontic therapy, she wasn’t a candidate for SFOT, so we focused on strengthening the gums.

If you have thin bone or gums and are considering orthodontics, SFOT may be an excellent option for you. Schedule a consultation with us to learn more about this innovative, regenerative approach to smile health.