Bone Grafting in Bellevue, WA

Jawbone health and density are important to your general dental health. If your jawbone is deteriorating from periodontal (gum) disease, physical trauma, or the loss of teeth, you may need to undergo a bone graft to strengthen the foundation of your teeth and allow for dental implant placement. Dental bone grafting is a specialized procedure our board-certified periodontists offer to help to strengthen and rebuild bone in the jaw so that it is healthy enough to support tooth replacement with an implant. At Premier Periodontics, we use minimally invasive Piezoelectric techniques when performing precision bone grafting procedures to replace lost bone and improve oral health. To learn more about a bone graft for dental implants or other oral health concerns, get in touch with one of our Bellevue, WA, area practice locations to meet with our experienced team.
 

Bone grafting is performed when a patient does not have the required amount of healthy bone available for necessary dental procedures (like implants). Bone grafting in the upper jaw or lower jaw can help with a variety of dental needs. Some of the benefits seen when you undergo a bone graft can include:

• Repairing bone after a severe fracture
• Facial structure support in your jaw to improve facial appearance
• Bone mass restoration when it is lost in the lower or upper jaw
• Rebuilding areas of the jaw to assist with crown, implant, denture, or bridge placement
• Strengthening the jawbone after tooth extraction

You may be a good candidate for a bone grafting technique if you have bone loss due to:

• Advanced gum disease
• Oral trauma
• Tooth loss 

When a tooth is extracted, the tooth roots are no longer there to stimulate the jawbone. Without this stimulation, the bone begins to dissolve, which can leave too little support for a dental implant tooth replacement. Bone grafting may be recommended immediately following an extraction to preserve the area for a dental implant or to replenish and strengthen an already depleted jawbone. At Premier Periodontics, we routinely perform dental bone grafts for Seattle, WA patients.

The exact process of your bone graft procedure will depend on the source of bone graft material and the amount of grafting you need. Bone grafting adds donor tissue to areas of the jaw that have deteriorated. This donor bone may be taken from another bone in your body, such as your chin, shin, or hip (autograft). Other grafting options may use bone harvested from another person (allograft) or a bovine (xenograft). In some cases, we may use a synthetic bone graft (alloplast). Our skilled periodontists will explain your dental bone grafting options and help you select the best method.

When the bone graft material is ready, our team will numb the area with a local anesthetic. Sedation techniques can also be used to provide further relaxation if you prefer. Our team will prepare the areas being treated using Piezoelectric bone surgery procedures, which operate on ultrasonic technology. This approach allows for minimal impact on the surrounding gum tissues. Your graft will be affixed to the jawbone, along with proteins and collagen that encourage it to integrate with your jaw and new bone to grow. The incision will be sutured closed and given time to heal.

You may experience minor swelling or discomfort following your dental bone graft procedure, which can be relieved with pain medication prescribed by our team or over-the-counter options. In the following 6 – 9 months, the graft will heal and integrate with your jaw (osseointegration). Additional appointments at Premier Periodontics may be scheduled so that our team can check your progress and determine when your jawbone is strong enough to support a dental implant.

We can talk to your dental insurance to determine your insurance coverage and estimated out-of-pocket costs before your bone grafting procedure begins. Premier Periodontics is a preferred provider for several major insurance plans and accepts several easy payment methods. To make your care even more affordable, we are pleased to offer a special 12-month financing option. Talk to our team today for more information.

How long does a bone graft procedure take?
A bone graft procedure is generally performed in under an hour. Our periodontists utilize advanced and minimally invasive bone grafting techniques to help provide the most favorable results for patients who have bone loss from periodontal disease or other factors.

Can I have bone grafting and an implant placed at the same time?
In certain cases, we may perform a bone graft and dental implant procedure within the same appointment. This may occur when only a minor amount of bone is required to support an implant but is also dependent on jaw health, treatment needs, and other factors. During your consultation, our periodontists will determine if this option is ideal for your oral health.

Are bone grafts for dental implants painful?
We take great care to help ensure dental bone grafts for Seattle-area patients are as comfortable as possible. Bone grafting is generally performed under local anesthesia, which may be combined with sedation dentistry options for enhanced comfort.

What can I eat after having a dental bone graft?
Unless you also have a tooth extraction at the time of your bone graft, there are generally no food restrictions to consider. We may recommend chewing on the opposite side of the mouth for the next 3 – 4 weeks to enhance your healing response. Our Premier Periodontics team will provide aftercare instructions following your dental bone graft surgery.

How long does it take for a bone graft to heal before an implant can be placed?
The healing time for a dental bone graft can vary depending on the size of the graft and the individual’s overall health. In most cases, it can take anywhere from 6 to 9 months for the bone to fully integrate and strengthen enough to support a dental implant. Your periodontist will monitor your progress during follow-up visits and let you know when it's the right time to proceed with the implant placement.

Can a bone graft fail, and what happens if it does?
While dental bone grafts have a high success rate, there is a small chance that a graft may not integrate properly with the existing bone. Factors such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, or certain medical conditions can increase the risk of graft failure. If a graft does fail, your periodontist may recommend a second grafting procedure to ensure sufficient bone is present before proceeding with a dental implant or other treatments. Regular follow-ups and proper care are crucial for graft success.

Bone grafting may be an important part of your treatment to give your dental implants the support needed for success. During your appointment with our periodontal specialists, you will learn more about your bone graft options and receive a custom plan for treatment that leads to a stronger jaw and healthier mouth. Contact Premier Periodontics in Bellevue, WA, to make your appointment for custom dental bone grafting care.