Rebuild Your Smile's Foundation
Don't let insufficient jaw bone density hold you back from achieving the smile you deserve. At YJ OMS Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we offer expert bone grafting procedures to restore your jaw bone and create a solid foundation for dental implants or other restorative treatments.
What is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves adding bone to areas where your jaw has deteriorated or been lost. This added bone provides support and stability for dental implants, ensuring their long-term success. It can also be used to repair jaw defects caused by injury, disease, or tooth extraction.
Why Might You Need Bone Grafting?
- Dental Implant Placement: Sufficient bone density is crucial for the successful placement and integration of dental implants. If you've experienced bone loss due to tooth loss, gum disease, or other factors, bone grafting can create a solid base for your implants.
- Jaw bone Reconstruction: Bone grafting can repair jaw defects caused by trauma, infections, or congenital conditions. This helps restore proper jaw function and facial structure.
- Preserving Facial Aesthetics: Bone loss in the jaw can lead to a sunken or aged appearance. Bone grafting helps restore facial volume and maintain a youthful contour.
- Supporting Other Dental Procedures: Bone grafting may be necessary to support other dental procedures, such as sinus lifts or ridge augmentation, to create a stable base for restorations.
Types of Bone Grafts:
- Autograft: Bone taken from your own body, typically from the chin, hip, or tibia.
- Allograft: Bone sourced from a tissue bank (cadaver bone).
- Xenograft: Bone derived from an animal source, usually bovine (cow).
- Alloplast: Synthetic bone graft material.
- Growth Factors: Growth factors are synthetic proteins that actively stimulate the production of new bone tissue, accelerating the healing process.
Dr. Jun will determine the most suitable type of bone graft based on your individual needs and the complexity of the procedure.
Hear From Our Patients
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take grafting material to heal? The healing time for a bone graft varies, but it typically takes a minimum of four months for the bone to integrate properly. In some cases, it may take up to a year for complete healing. Once the graft has healed, we can place the dental implant. The implant also requires a healing period of approximately four months before we can attach the final crown. While the entire process requires some patience, the result is a strong, stable foundation for your new tooth that can last a lifetime.
How hard is recovery after a bone graft?
Most patients find the recovery after a bone graft to be manageable. You can expect some swelling and discomfort for a few days, which can be managed with pain medication and cold compresses. We'll provide detailed post-operative instructions, including dietary recommendations and oral hygiene practices, to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. While individual experiences vary, most patients resume their normal activities within a week.
How can you prevent bone loss?
To maintain a healthy jaw bone, practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to combat plaque and bacteria that contribute to gum disease and bone loss. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are also crucial to detect and address early signs of problems. Avoid smoking, eat a balanced diet, and talk to your dentist about a custom nightguard for additional protection.
Is a bone graft right for me?
Whether or not a bone graft is right for you depends on the health and density of your jaw bone. It's often recommended to prepare for dental implants when there's insufficient bone to support them, or after tooth extraction to preserve the bone and prevent complications. Additionally, bone grafts can be beneficial for those with bone loss due to gum disease or for reconstructing jaw defects caused by injury, disease, or birth abnormalities. To determine if you're a candidate, schedule a consultation with our team for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
Southern California’s Most Trusted Oral Surgery Specialists
Dr. Young Jun and the YJ OMS Dental Implants & Oral Surgery team have helped countless patients improve facial aesthetics, restore dental health, and recover confidence. Whether you need dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, or full-mouth reconstruction, our state-of-the-art office deploys the latest technology and techniques to ensure flawless results and fast recovery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Placentia or Huntington Beach office and get started on your journey to a brand-new smile.