Bone Grafting & Augmentation
Bone grafting procedures rebuild lost bone structure, enabling dental implant placement for patients who were previously told they weren't candidates.
Why Bone Grafting Is Needed
Bone loss occurs due to:
- •Tooth extraction
- •Periodontal disease
- •Trauma
- •Infection
- •Long-term denture wear
- •Natural aging
Types of Bone Grafting
Socket Preservation Grafting
Performed at the time of extraction to prevent bone resorption. Preserves the site for a future implant and minimizes the need for major grafting later.
Ridge Augmentation
Rebuilds width and height of the ridge using various graft materials to enable implant placement. Requires 4–6 months of healing before implants.
Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation)
For upper back teeth (premolars and molars). A lateral window approach is used for significant augmentation, while a crestal approach is used for minor cases. Elevates the sinus floor to create bone for implant placement.
Block Bone Grafts
Harvested from chin, ramus, or hip for significant defects. Provides both height and width with the longest healing time.
Graft Materials
Autogenous (Your Own Bone)
Considered the gold standard with the highest success rate. Requires a donor site, available from the jaw or hip.
Allograft (Donor Bone)
Processed human bone with no donor site surgery. Excellent results and the most common choice.
Xenograft (Animal-Derived)
Usually bovine (cow) bone providing a long-lasting scaffold. Often combined with other materials.
Synthetic Materials
Laboratory-created, biocompatible materials with consistent quality available in various formulations.
3D-Planned Grafting
For complex cases, Dr. Krajekian utilizes:
- •3D analysis of defect
- •Custom graft design
- •3D-printed titanium mesh
- •Precise contour restoration
Recovery & Healing Timeline
- •Minor grafts: 4-6 months
- •Major grafts: 6-9 months
- •Sinus lifts: 6-9 months
- •Block grafts: 4-6 months
Post-Operative Care
Day of Surgery
- •Bite on gauze 30–60 minutes to control bleeding
- •Ice packs 20 min on/off for 24–48 hours
- •Begin antibiotics and pain medications
- •Soft, cold foods only
Days 1–7
- •Continue ice and cold compresses
- •Soft diet (eggs, yogurt, smoothies)
- •Salt water rinses after 24 hours
- •Do not disturb the surgical site
For Sinus Lift Procedures
- •Do not blow your nose for 2–4 weeks
- •Sneeze with mouth open
- •Avoid straws (no suction)
- •Use prescribed decongestant
- •Sleep with head elevated
Weeks 2–6
- •Gradually expand diet
- •Excellent oral hygiene (avoid surgical area)
- •Continue prescription rinses
- •Watch for signs of infection
- •No heavy lifting or strenuous activity
Months 2–6
- •Bone integration and maturation
- •Follow-up imaging to assess healing
- •Plan for implant placement
- •Continue excellent oral hygiene
Key Benefits
- •Makes implants possible
- •3D-planned for complex cases
- •Multiple graft material options
- •Minimally invasive when possible
- •High success rates
- •Restores natural contours
Recovery Time
1-2 weeks initial; 4-9 months bone maturation
Explore Other Procedures
Have Questions About Bone Grafting & Augmentation?
Schedule a consultation to discuss if this procedure is right for you