Dental Bone Grafting

Dental bone grafting is a procedure performed to add volume and density to the jaw where bone loss occurs. Patients who will undergo dental implant treatment and do not have a strong jawbone are ideal candidates for bone grafting. 

If you are considering a dental implant procedure to replace missing teeth and would like a consultation to know if your jaw needs extra support, contact the Pine Desert Dental Team or visit our clinic in Sisters, Oregon.

Dental implants and crowns need a proper amount of jawbone to attach and implant successfully. When a patient does not have the required bone structure to hold a dental implant, Dr. Sunitsch recommends having an initial bone graft procedure. This procedure promotes healing and growth and increases the viability of implants and crowns.

If you’ve had a recent tooth extraction and are considering a dental implant, Dr. Sunitsch might recommend bone grafting as an ideal treatment to help restore your jawbone density. 

Bone loss can happen due to multiple factors, such as:

• Unhealed fractures 
• Diseases like osteoporosis
• Aging
• Missing teeth
• Genetics
• Periodontal diseases
• Trauma

There are four main types of bone grafts. The ideal kind for your case will depend on multiple factors that Dr. Sunitsch will discuss with you during your consultation. 

• Socket preservation: This graft is placed into the socket right after the tooth has been extracted. It aims to prevent the sides of the wound from caving in. 

• Ridge augmentation: For patients whose teeth were extracted some time ago, ridge augmentation provides the needed width and volume support for the thinned jawbone. 
• Sinus lift: When the missing teeth are located on the upper back of the mouth, the maxillary sinuses could drop down and invade the space once occupied by teeth roots. If dental implants are placed, the sinus membrane would be penetrated. A sinus lift raises the sinus back to its original position and places a dental bone graft underneath it to create a solid structure. Dental implants are later on set up.
• Periodontal bone graft: Bone loss from gum disease causes teeth to become loose. Periodontal bone grafts do not intend to create a foundation for implants but rather add support to existing teeth.

Bone grafts may use various types of material. During your consultation, Dr. Sunitsch will recommend an individualized plan with the best option for your case. 

• Autografts: Autograft uses tissue from the patient’s body. It’s usually obtained from the chin or hip.
• Allografts: Allograft uses sterilized tissue from a deceased donor. Before use, this tissue usually undergoes multiple treatments to make it neutral to reactions and free of host diseases.
• Xenografts: Xenografts use tissue from other animal species, such as cows. This bone is pre-treated, much like allograft material, and is sterile and free of disease before being placed.
• Synthetic bone graft: As the name states, synthetic bone graft uses materials like bioactive glass or ceramics.

Recovery time after a bone grafting procedure depends on each case's circumstances. Dental implants are often placed after the bone grafts have healed completely. Dr. Sunitsch will discuss with you the next steps after your procedure. 

During your consultation, Dr. Sunitsch will discuss the materials available and help you pick the one that best fits your needs. Once your medical history and condition are reviewed, he will check the state of your gums and teeth, focusing on the possible bone loss you may have.

If you use an autograft, Dr. Sunitsch will start by sourcing the bone from the chosen location (chin or hip). He will also remove your tooth if your dental extraction hasn’t been performed.

Next, the exposed bone where the graft is placed will be thoroughly cleaned. Once the area is ready, he will attach the graft and suture it closed.

When the treatment has been completed, you will be monitored until the doctor determines you can leave. Patients often return home a couple of hours after the procedure. 

Dr. Sunitsch will provide you with post-treatment guidelines you are expected to follow to avoid complications.

Bone grafting could cause discomfort, so your dentist will apply anesthesia before the procedure. In some cases, full sedation is used. Ask Dr. Sunitsch about our sedation dentistry options. 

Once the effect of the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some pain. Dr. Sunitsch will prescribe pain medication that you can take as indicated.

You will have a review check-up about one week after the bone grafting procedure. You may also need regular follow-up visits. Complete healing after bone grafting can take up to six months. 

Bleeding, swelling, and discomfort are normal after bone grafting. To reduce the discomfort after your procedure, we recommend doing the following:

• Avoid physically demanding activities for three days
• Take the prescribed pain medication
• Use an ice pack to help with swelling
• Avoid hot or cold beverages
• Avoid spicy and irritating foods
• Eat soft, cold food like yogurt and smoothies
• Avoid touching the area

Bleeding, swelling, and bruising are expected post-treatment symptoms. These should start to subside after the first two days. If these increase abnormally or you notice signs of infection, contact your dentist right away.

Pine Desert Dental offers bone grafting procedures to help patients who want to undergo dental implants but need bone growth first.

Dr. Zach Sunitsch and the Pine Desert Dental team can handle all your dental needs. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Oregon Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. 

We offer comprehensive dental services, including oral surgery. If you’d like more information, call us at (541) 549-01-09 or request an appointment online. You can also visit us at our clinic in Sisters, Oregon.