Bone Grafting in La Jolla – Restoring A Foundation for Dental Implants
If you’re considering dental implants, bone loss in the jaw can be a significant concern. If you have lost bone due to missing teeth, gum disease, or trauma, bone grafting can help strength your jawbone, making you a candidate for dental implants or other restorative procedures. At La Jolla Dental Wellness Center, we offer advanced bone grafting techniques to restore jawbone volume, improve oral health, and create a strong foundation for long-term dental success.
If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for dental implants, don’t worry—our experienced team can help with a customized bone grafting solution tailored to your needs.
What is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to rebuild and regenerate lost jawbone tissue. If you lose a tooth, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate. This can cause facial sagging, difficulty chewing, and a lack of support for dental implants.
A bone graft replaces missing bone with natural or synthetic materials that integrate with your existing bone and stimulate new bone growth. This process restores a foundation for the placement of dental implants.
Why is Bone Grafting Necessary?
Bone grafting is essential if you’re experiencing jawbone loss due to:
- ~ Tooth Loss – Bone naturally resorbs after tooth loss and reduces the structural integrity of the jaw.
- ~ Gum Disease (Periodontitis) – Advanced periodontal disease can destroy supporting bone around teeth.
- ~ Trauma or Injury – Accidents or facial trauma can cause bone loss.
- ~ Developmental Issues – Some patients are born with insufficient bone structure.
- ~ Long-Term Denture Use – Wearing dentures for years can lead to significant bone loss.
Dental implants cannot fuse properly without a solid foundation, which is why bone grafting often takes places before implant placement.
Types of Bone Grafting Procedures
At La Jolla Dental Wellness Center, we offer several types of bone grafting depending on individual patient needs:
Socket Preservation Ridge Preservation
After a tooth extraction, socket preservation helps prevent immediate bone loss by filling the empty socket with grafting material. This graft helps maintain bone shape and volume so so you may consider future implant placement.
Sinus Lift Sinus Augmentation
If your sinus cavity is too close to the implant site, a sinus lift often helps make implant placement possible. This procedure involves lifting the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material to create a better foundation for dental implants.
Ridge Augmentation
If your jawbone has thinned or deteriorated over time, ridge augmentation rebuilds the bone structure. This service restores both aesthetic appearance and functional support for implants.
Block Bone Graft
For severe bone loss, a block of bone (typically from the patient’s own body) is secured to the affected area. This type of graft takes longer to heal, but it provides better results for cases requiring extensive reconstruction.
Allografts and Xenografts Donor and Synthetic Bone Grafts
For patients who prefer non-autogenous options (not using their own bone), we offer:
- Allografts – Bone from a human donor, sterilized and processed for safe integration.
- Xenografts – Bone from an animal source (typically bovine), used as a framework for new bone growth.
- Synthetic Bone Grafts – Lab-created materials that promote natural bone regeneration.
We will discuss the best grafting option for you based on your needs and lifestyle goals.
The Bone Grafting Process
Our skilled team at La Jolla Dental Wellness Center focuses on a comfortable and successful bone grafting experience with a thoughtful step-by-step approach:
Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation
- Comprehensive exam with 3D digital imaging and X-rays to assess bone density.
- Discuss treatment options and determine the best grafting technique.
- Create a personalized treatment plan for optimal results.
Step 2: Bone Graft Placement
- Local anesthesia or sedation dentistry ensures comfort during the procedure.
- The grafting material is placed in the targeted area, securing it in position.
- The site is closed with sutures, and healing begins.
Step 3: Healing and Bone Integration
- Over the next 3 to 6 months, the graft material stimulates new bone growth.
- Regular check-ups ensure proper healing and bone development.
Step four: Dental Implant Placement If Applicable
- Once the bone has fully integrated, the site is ready for implant surgery.
Allografts and Xenografts Donor and Synthetic Bone Grafts
For patients who prefer non-autogenous options (not using their own bone), we offer:
- Allografts – Bone from a human donor, sterilized and processed for safe integration.
- Xenografts – Bone from an animal source (typically bovine), used as a framework for new bone growth.
- Synthetic Bone Grafts – Lab-created materials that promote natural bone regeneration.
We will discuss the best grafting option for you based on your needs and lifestyle goals.
Benefits of Bone Grafting
Bone grafting provides long-term benefits that improve both oral health and facial aesthetics:
- ~ Restores Jawbone Volume – Prevents further bone loss and maintains facial structure.
- ~ Creates a Stable Base for Implants – Essential for long-lasting dental implant success.
- ~ Prevents Facial Sagging & Aging Effects – Maintains youthful facial contours.
- ~ Enhances Chewing & Speaking Ability – Strengthens the jaw for normal function.
- ~ Improves Overall Oral Health – Protects remaining teeth and gum health.
Dental implants cannot fuse properly without a solid foundation, which is why bone grafting often takes places before implant placement.
Who Needs Bone Grafting?
You may be a candidate for bone grafting if you:
- Have insufficient bone for dental implants.
- Are missing teeth and want to restore jawbone strength.
- Suffer from periodontal disease-related bone loss.
- Have worn dentures for years and experienced bone shrinkage.
- Want to enhance facial structure after significant bone deterioration.
During your consultation, we will determine whether bone grafting is necessary and which treatment option will work best for you.
Meet Our
La Jolla Dentists
Dr. Bo Ah Kim
Dr. Bo Ah Kim pursued her passion for dentistry at Columbia University, College of Dental Medicine in New York City, earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2007. Her training in general dentistry equips her with the skills to perform a broad range of procedures from basic fillings and crowns to complex full mouth reconstructions and TMJ Botox injections. Dr. Kim is renowned for her dedication to patient care, making communication and comfort the cornerstones of her practice.
Dr. Hyung Jin Bae
Accreditations
Wonderful Words from our Patients
~ Gabrielle Breton Leduc
~ Alice Hou
~ Gabrielle Breton Leduc
Comprehensive
Dental Services
Innovator in Periodontics and Dental Implantology
At La Jolla Dental Wellness, Dr. Hyung Jin Bae is a board-certified periodontist specializing in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). Our periodontic treatments include deep cleanings, bone grafts, and dental implant placement. Get exceptional results with scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.
You get
- ~ In-Depth Consultation
- ~ 3D Imaging
- ~ Local anesthetic for comfort
- ~ Reducing the risk of tooth loss
Simple Payment Options
Insurance Coverage
Visit La Jolla Dental Wellness
Hours
Monday – Tuesday 9am-5pm
Wednesday – CLOSED
Thursday – Friday 9am-5pm
Bone Grafting FAQs
Is bone grafting painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or sedation, so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Mild discomfort afterward is manageable with pain medication and proper aftercare.
How long does bone grafting take to heal?
Healing time varies depending on the extent of the graft but typically takes 3 to 6 months for full bone integration.
Can I get dental implants immediately after bone grafting?
In some cases, implants can be placed at the same time as the graft. However, for more extensive grafting, healing is required before implant placement.
What can I eat after bone grafting?
A soft food diet is recommended for the first few days, including smoothies, soups, and mashed foods.
How do I care for my mouth after a bone graft?
Follow post-operative care instructions, avoid smoking, and maintain good oral hygiene to support healing.
Restore Your Smile with Bone Grafting at La Jolla Dental Wellness Center
At La Jolla Dental Wellness Center, our expert bone grafting solutions help patients restore lost jawbone and enjoy life with dental implants. If you’ve been told you can’t have implants due to bone loss, let’s explore safe, effective options for rebuilding your smile.
Call us today at 858-400-4605 to schedule your consultation or book an appointment online.
