See how bone grafting restores your smile prior to dental implants...

_{*According to ORAL & Implantology.}

Bone grafting can help virtually any healthy patient enjoy the longevity and stability of dental implants. In fact, a study conducted by ORAL & Implantology found that dental implants placed in grafted bone tissue lasted just as long as those placed in natural bone tissue. 

If you do not qualify for dental implants due to insufficient jawbone density, Dr. Jose Valenzuela Jr. and his team can perform bone grafting and sinus lifts at their Los Algodones, Baja California, Mexico-area implant practice. Patients who might otherwise not be good candidates for dental implant surgery can improve their chances of success by boosting their jawbone density through one or both of these procedures.

Who Can Benefit from a Bone Graft?

Jawbone degeneration after tooth loss is a natural occurrence, as the jawbone tissues are no longer stimulated through activities such as chewing or biting. Whether you have lost your teeth due to decay, extraction, or advancing age, jawbone loss can affect both your oral health and your appearance. Loss of jawbone density can also occur due to periodontal disease.

If you have waited a considerable period of time before seeking treatment, it is likely that you have suffered from some loss of jawbone density.

If you want to restore missing teeth through dental implant surgery, it is necessary to be in good oral health, as well as have a strong jawbone. If you have waited a considerable period of time before seeking treatment, it is likely that you have suffered from some loss of jawbone density.

Dental implant surgery requires the surgical insertion of titanium posts into the jaw, which then fuse with the surrounding tissues to effectively replace lost tooth roots. A weak jawbone cannot support implants, therefore requiring preparatory procedures. 

The Bone Graft Procedure

During your initial consultation, Dr. Valenzuela will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to assess your oral health, and check if you need any pre-treatments for decay or dental disease.

The bone graft surgery includes harvesting jawbone tissue from a tissue bank or from the patient's own body and using it to augment the treatment site. Dr. Valenzuela incorporates IV sedation into the surgery, to ensure patients have a comfortable and relaxing experience.

If the amount of bone grafting is minimal, Dr. Valenzuela can perform implant placement during the same visit. If the amount of bone grafting is significant, patients will need to wait for their jawbone to heal.

It generally takes the jaw three to six months to heal after a bone graft. Patients are then able to undergo dental implants surgery. Patients are advised to not smoke during this time, as smoking affects the healing process.

Undergoing Sinus Lift Surgery

A sinus lift may be necessary if there is not enough height in the upper jaw, or if the sinuses are too close to the jaw, for the dental implants to be successfully placed. A sinus lift, or sinus augmentation, adds bone tissue to the upper jaw and makes the patient eligible to receive dental implants.

Prior to sinus lift surgery, we will take x-rays and CT scans to accurately assess the height and width of the existing bone. Similar to a bone graft, the bone used in a sinus lift will likely be harvested from your own body. Patients generally require four to nine months of recovery time after sinus lift surgery.

Schedule Your Personal Consultation

A weakened jawbone should not hinder you from experiencing the unique benefits of dental implant-supported restorations. Our preparatory procedures include bone grafts and sinus lifts, both which can help make our patients eligible for dental implants surgery. To learn more, contact Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry Center today.