Bone Grafting

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it begins to deteriorate. Without the stimulation that comes from chewing, bone gradually reabsorbs, reducing both the width and height of the alveolar ridge over time. This bone loss can make dental implant placement difficult or impossible without intervention, and may alter facial structure when left unaddressed.

At Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Saman Vahedi and Dr. Jonathan Shadi, offer a full range of bone grafting procedures at our West Los Angeles practice. Dr. Vahedi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and completed his residency training at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Shadi completed his residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at UC San Francisco-Fresno and brings extensive experience in complex implant and grafting cases throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. Both surgeons use the latest 3D diagnostic imaging and modern surgical techniques to minimize recovery time and deliver individualized care.

Our bone grafting procedures are one part of the oral surgery services we perform at our Wilshire corridor practice. We accept most major PPO plans, and you can review your insurance and financing options before your consultation.

Why Jawbone Loss Happens

Jawbone deterioration is one of the most common and frequently overlooked consequences of tooth loss. After an extraction, the surrounding bone can lose a significant portion of its volume within the first few years, as the body no longer needs it to anchor a tooth root.

Other common causes include periodontal disease, which progressively damages the bone supporting the teeth; dental infections; facial trauma; and long-term use of removable dentures. In each case, bone grafting may restore the structure needed to support an implant or prevent further jaw changes from occurring.

Types of Bone Graft Materials

Different graft materials serve different clinical needs, and the selection depends on the extent of bone loss, the location, and your overall health. According to research published through the National Institutes of Health, graft material selection plays a significant role in long-term implant success. The four primary categories are:

Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate material based on your imaging, anatomy, and treatment goals.

Bone Grafting Procedures We Perform

We perform the full range of bone grafting procedures, from straightforward socket preservation completed at the time of extraction to more involved reconstructive grafting. Depending on your diagnosis, one or more of the following may be recommended prior to or alongside your dental implant placement:

• Socket Preservation: Graft material is placed into the extraction socket at the time of tooth removal to maintain ridge volume and prepare the site for a future implant.
• Sinus Lift: Used in the upper back jaw to elevate the sinus floor and fill the space with graft material, creating the bone height needed for upper implants.
• Ridge Expansion: When the alveolar ridge has become too narrow over time, this procedure increases its width to accommodate implant placement.
• Major Bone Grafting: Reserved for more extensive defects caused by trauma, tumor surgery, or long-term significant bone loss. Bone is typically harvested from another site in the body for these cases.
• Guided Bone Regeneration: A biocompatible membrane is placed over the graft site to direct new bone growth and prevent soft tissue from interfering with healing.

After the procedure, your surgeon will outline a clear timeline for monitoring and next steps.

What to Expect

Most bone grafting procedures are performed on an outpatient basis using IV sedation or general anesthesia, so you will be comfortable throughout. A small incision is made in the gum tissue, the graft material is placed, a protective membrane is applied when indicated, and the site is sutured closed.

Are You a Candidate for Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting may be the right step if you have one or more missing teeth with associated jawbone shrinkage, if you have been told you do not have sufficient bone for implants, or if an extraction is coming up and you want to preserve the site for future restoration. Patients with periodontal disease history, jaw injuries, or long-term denture use are also common candidates.

The best starting point is a consultation that includes cone-beam 3D imaging to evaluate your current bone volume, identify the cause of loss, and establish a clear treatment plan. Every recommendation is tailored to your individual anatomy and treatment goals.

Schedule a Bone Grafting Consultation

Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center brings board-certified surgical care, advanced diagnostic technology, and a patient-first approach to the West Los Angeles community. Dr. Vahedi and Dr. Shadi perform bone grafting procedures using the latest techniques for improved recovery and long-term success. Our bilingual team offers care in English, Spanish, and Farsi, and we accept Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, with financing available through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.

To find out whether bone grafting is the right step in your treatment plan, contact our office to request a consultation with our team.