Bone Grafting
At Rancho Del Rey Oral & Facial Surgery, bone grafting is one of the most effective procedures we use to restore jaw health and prepare patients for long-term success with tooth replacement. When bone has deteriorated due to tooth loss, gum disease, injury, or natural aging, it can affect both your appearance and oral function. Bone grafting allows our experienced oral surgeons to regenerate lost bone, rebuild structural support, and create a strong foundation for long-lasting dental implants. We’re proud to serve patients throughout Chula Vista and the greater San Diego area with advanced, minimally invasive bone grafting techniques.
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What Causes Jawbone Loss & Deterioration?
Several factors can contribute to jawbone loss over time:
- Tooth loss: Without the stimulation of a tooth root, the surrounding bone begins to shrink.
- Periodontal (gum) disease: Chronic infection can damage both soft tissue and bone.
- Trauma or injury: Accidents may result in damaged or missing bone.
- Infection or cysts: These concerns can damage bone and surrounding tissue, potentially leading to significant bone loss if not treated promptly.
- Long-term denture wear: Ill-fitting dentures can cause gradual bone atrophy.
Am I a Candidate for Bone Grafting?
You may be a candidate for bone grafting if you’ve lost teeth and are considering implants, have been told your jawbone lacks sufficient height or density, wear ill-fitting dentures due to bone loss, or have a cyst, infection, or injury affecting the jaw. Most patients in good general health are well suited for the procedure, though conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or smoking can complicate the healing process. During your consultation at our Chula Vista practice, we’ll review your history and imaging to confirm whether grafting fits your treatment plan.
What Are Common Bone Grafting Procedures?
Bone grafting can take several forms depending on the location and extent of bone loss. In some cases, additional techniques may be recommended to enhance precision, protect nearby structures, or support the healing process.
Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation restores the natural contours of the jaw following bone loss. This procedure is often necessary before dental implants can be placed in areas where the ridge has flattened or narrowed. At our practice, we utilize Yomi® robotic technology to assist with precise implant planning and placement in ridge augmentation cases, enhancing accuracy and patient outcomes. Rancho Del Rey Oral & Facial Surgery has been recognized as a Platinum Doctor of Excellence and Gold Center of Excellence for Yomi, reflecting our commitment to advanced, technology-guided care.
Nerve Repositioning
In some cases, particularly when placing implants in the lower jaw, repositioning the main nerve in the jaw may be necessary to prevent injury. This delicate procedure may be performed in conjunction with bone grafting when the available bone height is too close to the nerve canal. Repositioning helps create a safer environment for implant placement and reduces the risk of post-operative complications.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift, or sinus augmentation, increases bone height in the upper back area of the jaw to make room for dental implants. The sinus membrane is gently raised, and bone graft material is added to support new bone growth.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is sometimes used alongside bone grafting procedures to support the body’s natural healing response. Made from a small sample of your own blood, PRF contains a concentrated mix of platelets and growth factors that is applied to the surgical site during treatment. It is intended to support the body’s natural healing process and create a favorable environment for recovery. Your surgeon will let you know if PRF is appropriate for your procedure.
*Use of PRF does not guarantee specific outcomes. Individual results may vary.
Socket Preservation
After a tooth extraction, socket preservation involves placing bone graft material in the empty socket to prevent bone loss and maintain the site for a future implant.
How Long Does Bone Grafting Take to Heal?
Healing time depends on graft size and location, but generally follows this timeline:
- Initial healing of the surgical site: one to two weeks
- Early bone formation: two to three months
- Full integration, needed before implant placement: three to nine months
Smaller grafts, like socket preservation, tend to heal faster than larger procedures such as sinus lifts. Your surgeon will confirm the graft has fully integrated at follow-up visits before proceeding with implants.
What Are the Risks of Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is generally considered a safe procedure, but potential risks include infection, graft failure, swelling or discomfort, nerve irritation, and sinus complications with sinus lift procedures. Choosing an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon significantly lowers these risks. Our team uses detailed pre-surgical imaging, sterile protocols, and careful monitoring to support a smooth recovery, and we’ll review any risk factors specific to your case.
Is Bone Grafting Necessary Before Dental Implants?
Bone grafting isn’t required for every implant patient, but it’s a common step when the jaw lacks sufficient bone. Implants require a stable, properly sized bone foundation, and bone lost to missing teeth or gum disease can leave insufficient volume for secure placement. We use 3D imaging to assess your bone and determine whether grafting is needed before, or alongside, implant surgery. Skipping a necessary graft can lead to implant instability or failure, making a thorough evaluation essential.
How Successful Is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting has a strong success rate, especially with experienced surgical care and proper healing. Outcomes depend on graft material, size and location, overall health, and how well post-surgical instructions are followed. Avoiding smoking and keeping follow-up appointments improve results. Our use of the Yomi® robotic system helps improve precision and supports predictable, long-lasting outcomes.
Why Choose an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon for Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting requires in-depth knowledge of jaw anatomy and surrounding structures. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete extensive hospital-based surgical training beyond dental school, equipping them to handle complex cases. At Rancho Del Rey Oral & Facial Surgery, we pair this training with Yomi® robotic technology for added precision. As a recognized Platinum Doctor of Excellence and Gold Center of Excellence for Yomi®, our team offers patients in Chula Vista and San Diego a high standard of specialized, technology-guided care.
“Dr. Gile is awesome!! Went in for a couple implants yesterday and he was able to pull both my teeth, minor grafting, and implants all in one shot. I have no pain, just taking Amoxicillin 3 times a day for 7 days. Mad props to the front desk staff, especially Donna!! Totally recommend Rancho Del Rey Center to everyone.”
Learn More About Bone Grafting
Contact Rancho Del Rey Oral & Facial Surgery to schedule a consultation and find out if bone grafting is right for you.