Provide Stability in Your Mouth and Jaw
In order for a dental implant to be placed successfully, it needs a stable base for the post to fuse to. Teeth roots naturally stimulate the jaw bone when chewing, keeping it sturdy. If a tooth is missing, the jaw bone does not get stimulated and deteriorates over time. This can mean there isn’t enough healthy bone to support an implant.
A bone graft is a synthetic material that is placed in an area where more bone is needed. Over time, the graft will help new bone grow to prepare for a dental implant, as well as combat bone atrophy.
Types of Bone Grafts
The Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists of San Diego offer a variety of bone grafting options, which we will discuss with you during your first visit. The type of graft used will depend on your oral health needs.
Ridge Augmentation
After a tooth has been extracted or the jaw bone has atrophied, it can cause the ridge of gum that lines the teeth to diminish. A ridge augmentation helps the gums maintain a natural contour. During this procedure, bone graft material is inserted into the area to stimulate bone growth.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift procedure adds bone to the upper jaw in the molar and premolar areas, which are typically difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quality and quantity. Sinus lift surgery raises the sinus floor and develops bone for dental implant placement.
Socket Preservation
After a tooth is removed, bone grafting material can be added to the empty socket. This preserves the shape of the socket for future restoration, such as a dental implant.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma is a growth factor naturally found in blood that aid in the healing. We can extract a small sample of blood and apply it directly to your surgical site to expedite healing in a natural, cost-effective way.
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP)
Bone morphogenetic protein is a naturally occurring protein that can be used as a substitute for real bone. These materials are safe and proven to increase the jaw bone support required for durable dental implant placement. During BMP treatment, grafting material is added to a sponge that is placed over the area of bone that requires growth. After the new bone has finished growing, your jaw will be ready to support dental implants.
Soft Tissue Grafting
If gum loss is not treated, it can cause tooth loss or nerve damage. To repair gum damage and prevent further problems, a soft tissue graft may be recommended. Similar to bone grafts, your oral surgeon will use a soft tissue sample, often from the roof of your mouth, and apply the soft tissue graft where it is needed in your gums. This process helps promote healing around a dental implant and can ensure a healthy, long-term result.
Types of Anesthesia
The right anesthesia will depend on the complexity of your procedure and your level of anxiety.
Hear From Bone Grafting Patients
These patients can tell you about the firsthand experience undergoing bone grafting at our office.
Reviews From Our Bone Grafting Patients
"Hi, my name is Patricia. I live in Mission Valley and I came to The Oral Surgery Specialists of San Diego to get a bone graft, extraction, and dental implant. I am well-satisfied with the treatment I received here. The office personnel were very caring, very personable. The doctors here really put my mind at ease, and the videos really prepared me for the procedure. My overall experience here was amazing. I would recommend this office to anyone, especially my friends and family, because of the caring and because they made it easy."
"Hi, my name is Mungo. I live in Mira Mesa. I came to The Oral Surgery Specialists of San Diego to get a bone graft and dental implant. The practice here is excellent. They go above and beyond, greeted me with big smiles, and made me feel right at home. When I talked to the doctor, he assured me that everything would be OK. By the time I closed my eyes, I was opening them back up, and it was over. This procedure is done. I’m feeling excellent. Out of five stars, I would give the doctors ten. If you need oral surgery, come here and get it done."
"Hi, I'm David and I live in San Diego. I came to this practice to have a sinus lift, extractions, and a full arch. When I first walked into the practice, I was met by some very friendly staff. Put me at ease immediately. Doctors here are excellent, very caring, took time to walk me through the procedure. The recovery from each of the procedures I had was remarkably speedy. I'm very happy to have my smile restored and feel much more confident. I would highly recommend The Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists of San Diego."
"Hi, I'm Sarah, and I'm from San Diego. I came to The Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists of San Diego to have an extraction and bone graft in preparation for a dental implant. When you first walk through that door, it's bright, it's welcoming, they're prepared to take care of you, and it's like you're the only person in the world when you walk through the door. The doctors here are very friendly. They treat each of their patients as if they were family or close friends. My procedures have been perfectly pleasant. Recovery went pretty seamless. My quality of life has definitely improved and I'm very excited for the final results. I would highly recommend The Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists of San Diego to all my friends and family, it's the only place I would have oral surgery."
"Hi, I'm Fane from San Diego, and I had a bone graft and a tooth extraction by Dr. Shelton. I felt the office to be very warm, the staff very professional and courteous and respectful, from the time I stepped into the office until I was done with the surgery. I felt that Dr. Shelton was extremely compassionate, answered all my questions, and made me feel very comfortable about the upcoming surgery. I'm very happy with the outcome at this point. The care that I got was exceptionally good. I highly recommend The Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists of San Diego."
How Can We Help?
If you have questions, would like to learn more about a procedure, or wish to schedule an appointment, give us a call. Our board-certified surgeons and attentive team are here to help.