Bone Grafting in San Diego

Torrey Pines Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery offers dental bone grafting to help patients rebuild the jawbone support needed for a healthy, stable smile. Dr. Sidal works closely with each patient to determine whether grafting is the right step before dental implants or other treatment.

What Is Dental Bone Grafting?

Dental bone grafting adds or preserves bone where the jaw has lost volume or lacks the density to support certain treatments. Dental implants rely on a stable foundation of bone, so adequate volume and density help an implant integrate securely over time. The right technique depends on where bone loss has occurred and how much rebuilding is needed.

Why Would I Need a Dental Bone Graft?

Bone grafting may be recommended for a number of reasons, including:

• Insufficient jawbone volume for dental implants
• Bone loss following a tooth extraction or long-term tooth loss
• Bone loss caused by periodontal disease or infection
• Preserving the shape of the jaw after an extraction
• Limited bone beneath the sinus for certain upper jaw implants

Not every implant patient needs a bone graft, since many already have enough healthy bone to support one. Dr. Sidal determines whether grafting is necessary through an exam and imaging, including 3D CBCT scanning when appropriate.

Types of Dental Bone Grafts

Graft material can come from a few different sources. Autogenous grafts use bone from the patient’s own body, allografts and xenografts use processed bone from a human or animal source; and synthetic materials are also available to support new bone growth.

Common Dental Bone Grafting Procedures

• Ridge Augmentation – Ridge augmentation restores the width and height of a jawbone that has lost volume, preparing a site for an implant and restoring the jaw’s natural contour.
• Socket Preservation – Performed at the time of a tooth extraction, socket preservation protects the bone around the tooth, making future implant treatment easier.
• Sinus Lift – A sinus lift is generally performed in the upper back jaw when there is not enough bone beneath the sinus to support an implant, creating space for graft material.

Alternatives to Traditional Bone Grafting

Not every patient with reduced bone volume needs a conventional graft, since the right approach depends on each patient’s anatomy and goals. Depending on the clinical situation, Dr. Sidal may also consider:

• Demineralized bone matrix and DFDBA, processed materials that support new bone growth, alone or as part of a broader approach
• Graft composites, which combine materials for specific properties that support bone regeneration
• Bone morphogenetic proteins, biologic materials that help stimulate bone formation, though not appropriate for every patient

Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

Dental implants need a solid foundation of bone to stay stable and function well over time. Bone grafting may be performed before implant placement or, in some cases, alongside it, and larger grafts often need time to heal before an implant can be placed. To learn more, visit our Bone Grafting for Dental Implants page.

Dental Bone Grafting Recovery

Recovery varies depending on the procedure and the individual patient, but general guidelines include:

• Mild swelling, soreness, or bruising in the days following treatment
• Following the dietary and oral hygiene instructions provided by our team
• Avoiding smoking and habits that can interfere with healing
• Attending follow-up appointments so healing can be monitored

For detailed guidance, please review our Post-Operative Instructions page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bone Grafting

How long does a dental bone graft take to heal? Healing varies, though many grafts need several months to fully integrate before implant placement.

How long after a bone graft can I get dental implants? Timing depends on graft size, which Dr. Sidal will discuss with you at your consultation.

Can bone grafting preserve bone after a tooth extraction? Yes, socket preservation at extraction helps maintain bone for future implant treatment.

How successful are dental bone grafts? Bone grafting has a strong record of supporting long-term implant stability, though results vary by patient.

To learn more about dental bone grafting or find out whether you are a candidate for dental implants, contact our San Diego, CA office at 858-793-3393 to schedule a consultation.