Bone Grafting
Restorative Treatment for Bone Loss
A bone graft is a versatile treatment option that can restore a single tooth socket, a large area of bone where multiple teeth are missing, or even increase the area of bone between the mouth and the sinus cavities. A bone graft is necessary to restore the foundation of the dental arch where the bone in the jaw has deteriorated. During a bone grafting procedure, an oral surgeon can place bone grafting material to restore the size and shape of the jaw. Over time, the bone graft material integrates with the existing bone, which restores the facial structure and creates a secure foundation to place dental implants.
The Bone Grafting Procedure
Advances in the field of oral surgery have made bone grafting procedures much simpler, reducing recovery times and improving results for patients. A bone graft consists of tiny granules of bone suspended in an easy-to-apply gel. Oral surgeons apply this material directly to the area of the jaw lacking in bone. In some circumstances, growth factors can be combined with the graft material to speed up the healing process. The bone material can be taken from your body or a tissue bank. In some circumstances, the oral surgeon can place the bone graft and the dental implant during the same surgical procedure, saving patients the time required to complete and heal after two separate procedures.
Types of Bone Grafting
When a tooth is missing on the upper arch, a sinus graft reinforces bone in the upper jaw to make implant placement possible. Watch the video to learn more!
We offer several common bone grafting procedures in our offices:
Sinus lift. Sometimes the maxillary sinuses, located behind the cheekbones, are too close for certain dental implants, such as upper back molars, to be placed. During a sinus lift procedure, bone graft material is placed between the sinus cavity and upper teeth, which creates enough space for a dental implant to be placed safely.
Ridge expansion. Bone loss due to missing teeth can affect the bony ridge that holds your teeth in place. This ridge is called the alveolar ridge and is paramount to secure implant placement. A ridge expansion procedure simply increases the width and/or height of this ridge.
Major bone grafting. Facial injuries, periodontal disease, birth defects, injuries, and other causes can present a larger area to graft. In most cases, bone is taken from the patient’s own body (usually from the jaw, hip, or tibia). A protective membrane may be used beneath the gums to promote healing while also protecting the graft.
Socket preservation helps reduce bone loss following tooth extraction and makes future implant placement easier. In some cases, a dental implant can be placed immediately after extraction. Watch the video to learn more!
Bone Grafting at Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center
Your consultation will begin with a thorough exam to evaluate your oral health and assess your bone quality. Your oral surgeon will take X-rays and 3D scans to get detailed images of your facial structure and outline a treatment plan designed to meet your specific needs, including your options for anesthesia.
If you need a bone grafting or dental implant procedure, we can help. At our offices located in Fresno, Clovis, Reedley, Madera, and Visalia, our skilled team performs bone grafting procedures on a routine basis. Contact our office at the location nearest you for a consultation with one of our experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who will determine the best treatment options based on your specific condition.
Types of Anesthesia
Our surgeons offer many options for anesthesia and sedation to ensure your comfort during treatment.
Hear From Bone Grafting Patients
These patients can tell you about the firsthand experience undergoing bone grafting at our office.
Reviews From Our Bone Grafting Patients
"My overall experience here was just great. The doctors and the staff, they went over everything in really great detail and got me very excited for the upcoming procedure. Dr. Barnhart is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and would always, even before my surgery, say, “Oh your smile is so beautiful.” She’s like, “It’s going to be even more beautiful after your surgery.” Dr. Barnhart and the other doctors worked together to give me an amazing smile. After the surgery I have felt a lot more confident in myself. This surgery has really opened up a lot of doors to things that I wasn’t able to do before. I feel a lot more joyful, and this was truly a life-changing experience that I got to go through. If you live in Madera Acres or Salma come to Fresno Oral Surgery. "
"I had had a root canal and a crown, and the tooth failed that the crown was on. And so I had to do something, and I knew that I did not want to have a bridge, and so I elected to have a dental implant, and Dr. Barnhart did it for me. One of the wonderful things about Dr. Barnhart and her staff is everything is explained, and everything is very calm. The first thing that had to happen is I had to have the tooth extracted — that was step number one. Well, she did a bone graft after the tooth was pulled because I do have osteoporosis. It was very gentle and very well done. Dr. Barnhart was very nice, very kind, and fun to talk to. I would absolutely recommend Fresno Oral Surgery to all my friends in Fresno and Tulare, CA."
"The practice here is wonderful. Everyone from the doctors, the nurses, the receptionist, they make you feel comfortable from the minute you come in. The doctors really care here, and they have your best interests at heart. They treat you completely like family. It was a smooth recovery. My quality of life has improved, and I’m very happy to say I’m happy with my smile. My experience has been just absolutely wonderful. I would highly recommend Fresno Oral Surgery. The doctors and the staff definitely make it worthwhile."
"I was actually referred here from another local dentist. I need a couple of implants and to do that, they have to do what’s called a sinus lift. They have to do surgery to do that. Met the staff and they were real friendly — got me right in, did the surgery. The recovery process went very well. The staff was excellent — everybody, very friendly. It was very down-to-earth as far as talking about what the surgery was, what it entailed. Great experience. So I always appreciate when somebody does a good job, and I always take the time to call them and tell them they did. So five stars — great job."
"I told so many people when I left here how impressed I was with everything from the front desk to the doctor and his assistants. They were excited to be here; they made you feel comfortable. The doctor and the staff are very professional. They are efficient, got right to what they had to do, and got you in and out. I look forward to completing the process and having an amazing smile. I am so happy that I chose Fresno Oral Surgery to have my surgery done. It was really a nice place to come to."
Providing Superior Patient Experiences and Outcomes
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