Bone Grafting in Murrieta

In the past, missing teeth could only be replaced with full or partial dentures, bridges, or other removable prostheses. Since many patients experience the loss of bone with loss of teeth, bone grafting is often performed as part of the implant treatment process to provide sufficient bone for the implants to be placed. Bone Grafting is the replacement or augmentation of the bone around the teeth. It is performed to reverse the bone loss/destruction caused by periodontal disease, trauma, infection, or ill-fitting removable dentures. Bone Grafting is commonly used to rebuild bone in the sinus area prior to implant placement or to enhance esthetics of a missing tooth in the smile zone. There are a number of methods for augmenting existing bone that Dr. Krakowiak will review with you during your visit.

What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure used to restore lost or diminished bone due to tooth loss, trauma, or other conditions. This procedure not only replaces the lost bone but also stimulates the growth of new bone. It is commonly needed for patients looking to receive dental implants, as sufficient bone is crucial for successful implant placement. Without adequate bone, it becomes difficult to support dental implants, which can affect oral health and facial structure​.

Why is Bone Grafting Important?

Prevent Jawbone Loss

Bone grafting prevents jawbone deterioration, which can lead to changes in facial appearance and compromise oral function. When a tooth is extracted or lost, the underlying bone may resorb or shrink, potentially leading to issues such as a sunken facial appearance. Bone grafting helps to rebuild this bone, maintaining the structure of the face and allowing for normal chewing and speaking functions​.

Preparation for Dental Implants

Patients with insufficient bone cannot receive dental implants without grafting. Bone grafting procedures help increase bone volume, making it possible to securely place implants and restore a patient’s smile. This preparation step is often necessary to ensure that the implant is stable and long-lasting​.

Am I A Candidate For A Bone Graft?

Candidates for bone grafting include patients with jawbone loss who need preparation for dental implants, individuals in good general health, and those free from active gum disease. The procedure is also recommended for those who want to regain jaw strength and improve oral functionality​.

Type of Advanced Bone Graft Procedures

Socket preservation

The site of a freshly extractred tooth can receive graft after teh extraction to stabilizethedimensions of the residual ridge an prevent teh standard loss of bone that will otherwise ensue after tooth is removed.

Sinus lift procedure

This procedure involves elevating the sinus membrane and placing the bone graft materials onto the sinus floor, allowing implants to be placed in the back part of the upper jaw.

Ridge-augmentation

In severe cases the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase the ridge height and/or width.

Distraction-Osteoneogensis

In some cases the existing bone can be grown by strectching it slowly after application of a distraction appliance making a few scoring cuts in the bone itself.

Nerve- repositioning

Although not a true graft procedure this procedure has a net effect same as a graft. It give us more room to place implants in cases of the resorbed posterior mandible. In these cases the inferior alveolar nerve, which gives feeling to the lower lip and chin, may be surgically moved out of the implant site in order to make room for placement of dental implants to the lower jaw.

RH-BMP( Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenic Proteins)

INFUSE® Bone Graft contains a manufactured bone graft material that is FDA-approved for use in certain oral surgery procedures, including sinus augmentation and localized alveolar ridge augmentation.

INFUSE® Bone Graft consists of two main components: a manufactured version of a protein that’s normally found in the body and a natural carrier for delivery of the protein. The protein is rhBMP-2 (recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2) in a pure, freeze-dried powder form. This is a naturally occurring protein common to all humans and animals with bone that is found in very small amounts, and its purpose is to stimulate bone formation at the site in which it’s placed.

The natural carrier is an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS), which is made from a material found in bone and tendons. The ACS releases the protein over time in the location where it is placed, and provides a scaffold on which new bone can grow. As the graft site heals, the ACS is absorbed and replaced by bone.

One of the primary advantages of INFUSE® Bone Graft is that it is an alternative to autograft – the use of autogenous bone (from the hip, rib, leg, jaw or chin) for implantation into a void or defect elsewhere in the body, such as the bones of the jaw. Prior to INFUSE® Bone Graft, autogeneous bone traditionally provided patients with the best grafting results in oral surgeries such as a sinus augmentation. INFUSE® Bone Graft eliminates the need for the bone-harvest surgery that autograft requires, an additional procedure that, depending on the location, may be painful for some patients and lengthen the overall healing process.

Our practice has extensive experience with this revolutionary method of rebuilding bone. Dr. Krakowiak has lectured as well as published his work in this area in the national level.

PRP & PRF (PLATELET RICH PLASMA AND PLATELET RICH FIBRIN)

PRF & PRP therapy accelerates healing of oral and facial soft tissues. PRF & PRP is an emerging treatment in a new health sector known as ”Orthobiologics.” The philosophy is to merge cutting edge technology with the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Blood is made of RBC (Red Blood Cells), WBC (White Blood Cells), Plasma, and Platelets. When in their resting state, platelets look like sea sponges and when activated form branches. Platelets were initially known to be responsible for blood clotting. In the last 20 years we have learned that when activated in the body, platelets release healing proteins called growth factors.

There are many growth factors with varying responsibilities, however cumulatively they accelerate tissue and wound healing. Therefore after increasing the baseline concentration of these platelets, we are able to deliver a powerful cocktail of growth factors that can dramatically enhance tissue recovery. The treatment option uses bodies own constituents at concentrated levels to optimize the rate of soft tissue healing and growth.
PRF & PRP has been used for over 20 years ago in the oral surgery to enhance wound healing in cancer patients with jaw reconstruction. Soon afterwards its applications extended across many fields of medicine from cardiovascular surgery to orthopedics. Multiple studies are underway to help further refine the treatment and demonstrate its efficacy.

These procedures may be performed separately or together, depending upon the individual’s condition. There are several areas of the body, which are suitable for attaining bone grafts. In the maxillofacial region, bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region or in the upper jaw behind the last tooth. In more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from the hip or the outer aspect of the tibia at the knee.

These surgeries are performed in the office under I.V. sedation or general anesthesia. After discharge, bed rest is recommended for one day and limited physical activity for one week.

Bone Grafting Procedure at Lakeshore Oral

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We begin with a thorough evaluation, including X-rays and scans, to assess your bone structure and determine the best grafting method for you.

Step 2: Treatment Planning

We develop a personalized treatment plan, explaining the process, expected outcomes, and recovery steps.

Step 3: Preparing the Graft

We use bone from your body, a donor, or synthetic material to ensure optimal results.

Step 4: Graft Placement

We carefully place the bone graft in the area needing augmentation, ensuring a secure fit to promote healing and bone growth.

Step 5: Healing Phase

We monitor your recovery as the graft integrates with your existing bone, a process that typically takes several months.

Step 6: Final Check-Up

Once the graft has fully healed, we schedule a follow-up to confirm the bone is ready for the next phase, such as implant placement.

At Lakeshore, our focus is on providing a smooth, comfortable experience from start to finish.

Recovery and Healing

Timeline

Recovery time for bone grafting can range from 2 to 6 months, depending on the size and complexity of the graft. Patients may experience swelling and discomfort for the first few days after surgery​

Aftercare

Following surgery, proper aftercare is crucial. This includes maintaining oral hygiene, following dietary recommendations, and avoiding physical strain to ensure optimal healing​

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does bone grafting take?

The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity.

How long does it take to heal?

Healing typically takes 4 to 6 months, allowing the graft to integrate with your natural bone.

When can I get my dental implant after a bone graft?

Implants are typically placed after the graft heals, which can take 3-6 months.

Can I eat normally after bone grafting?

Soft foods are recommended for the first few days after the procedure to allow for proper healing.

Is bone grafting necessary for all dental implants?

Not always, but it’s required when there isn’t enough bone to support an implant.

What should I avoid after the procedure?

Avoid smoking, strenuous activities, and hard foods during the healing period.

Our Practice Staff