Bone Grafting
Rebuilding the Foundation for Future Dental Implants
Restoring Strength and Volume to the Jawbone
Bone grafting is a critical preparatory procedure for patients who have experienced bone loss in the jaw. Inadequate bone volume, whether due to tooth loss, infection, trauma, or long-term denture use, can prevent the successful placement of dental implants.
At Star Oral Surgery, Dr. J. Scott Bobst provides advanced bone grafting procedures to restore strength, shape, and volume to the jaw, ensuring a stable foundation for implant-supported restorations and long-term oral health.
What Is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting involves placing biocompatible graft material into areas where the jawbone has resorbed or deteriorated. Over time, this material integrates with the patient’s natural bone, encouraging regeneration and re-establishing proper bone density and volume.
We use only clinically proven materials, which may include:
- Autografts (your own bone)
- Allografts (donor bone)
- Xenografts (sterile bone from animal sources)
- Synthetic bone substitutes in appropriate cases
Each case is evaluated individually to determine the optimal grafting approach.
Who Needs Bone Grafting?
You may be a candidate for bone grafting if:
- You’ve been missing a tooth for an extended period
- You are preparing for dental implants or full-arch restoration
- You have a history of periodontal disease or trauma
- Your CT scan shows insufficient jawbone height, width, or density
- Your sinus cavity has expanded into the upper jaw (requiring sinus lift grafting)
If bone loss has already occurred, timely intervention is important to preserve function and prevent further structural changes to your jaw and facial profile.
Advantages for Patients
- Improved diagnostic accuracy
- Customized surgical planning with reduced guesswork
- Minimally invasive procedures due to precise measurements
- Lower radiation dose compared to hospital-based CT scans
- Faster, more efficient treatment coordination
Our scanner provides complete imaging in seconds, with no discomfort. The data is immediately available for review and can be securely shared with your dentist, orthodontist, or other providers as needed.
Types of Bone Grafting Procedures We Perform
Socket Preservation
Performed immediately after tooth extraction to maintain the bone and soft tissue for future implant placement.
Ridge Augmentation
Used to rebuild the natural contour of the jawbone when resorption has occurred.
Sinus Lift / Sinus Augmentation
Indicated when the upper jaw lacks sufficient bone below the sinus cavity. Graft material is placed to raise the sinus floor and prepare for implant placement.
Horizontal or Vertical Bone Grafting
For patients with extensive bone loss due to trauma, infection, or long-term tooth absence.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Bone grafting is typically performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. Dr. Bobst will make a small incision to access the graft site, place the bone material, and secure it, often with a protective membrane or fixation hardware when necessary.
Depending on the type and location of the graft, healing may take several months before an implant can be placed.
Post-Operative Recovery
Most patients experience mild to moderate swelling and discomfort for several days following bone grafting. These symptoms typically peak around 48–72 hours and are well managed with anti-inflammatory medications or prescriptions provided by our office.
To protect the graft and support healing:
- Maintain a soft-food diet for 5–7 days
- Avoid hot foods, alcohol, straws, and vigorous rinsing
- Begin gentle saltwater rinses 24 hours after surgery
- Do not brush directly over the graft site for several days
- Avoid smoking or strenuous activity during early healing
Minor granules may dislodge from the site in the first few days—this is expected. Healing typically progresses over 3–6 months, during which we will schedule follow-up visits to assess graft stability.
Why Choose Star Oral Surgery?
- Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with advanced training in bone regeneration
- In-house 3D CBCT imaging for precise planning and surgical accuracy
- Comprehensive treatment planning for dental implants and full-mouth reconstruction
- Care delivered in a locally owned, state-of-the-art facility
- Personalized approach for every patient based on clinical and anatomical needs
Schedule a Consultation
If you’ve been told you are not a candidate for dental implants due to bone loss, or you’re ready to move forward with reconstruction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bobst to discuss your options.
Request an appointment online to learn more about your candidacy for bone grafting and implant preparation.