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Hearing that you need a "bone graft" before you can get a dental implant might sound a little intimidating at first. However, it is actually one of the most routine, successful, and highly beneficial procedures we perform! If you have been missing a tooth for a while, or if you suffered a severe dental infection, your jawbone may have weakened or shrunk, making it impossible to safely support a new titanium implant.

At Moreno Beach Dental, we don't want bone loss to stand in the way of your dream smile. Dr. Myung Kee Park, FAGD, and our dedicated clinical team provide gentle, precise bone grafting procedures to restore the structural integrity of your jaw. We proudly offer this essential, smile-saving service to patients throughout Moreno Valley, Riverside, Perris, Beaumont, Redlands, Loma Linda, and Grand Terrace.


Why Does the Jawbone Shrink?

Your jawbone is incredibly dynamic, and its health is directly tied to your teeth. Every time you chew, bite, or speak, the roots of your teeth stimulate the surrounding jawbone, telling your body to continuously send vital nutrients and minerals to that area to keep it strong.

When you lose a tooth, that vital stimulation immediately stops. Because the body is highly efficient, it assumes that the bone in that empty space is no longer needed. Within just the first year of losing a tooth, the body will actually begin to absorb the bone tissue (a process called resorption), causing the jawbone to shrink in both height and width. If left untreated, this bone loss can eventually alter the shape of your face, causing premature wrinkling and a "sunken" appearance.


What is a Dental Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a minor surgical procedure designed to reverse bone loss and regenerate healthy tissue.

During the procedure, Dr. Park places highly sterile, safe grafting material directly into the area where the bone has thinned out—often right into the empty socket immediately after a tooth is extracted. This grafting material acts as a sturdy "scaffold." Over the next few months, your body will naturally send new cells to the area, growing your own healthy, dense bone over and around the scaffold until it is fully integrated.

Once the healing process is complete, your jaw will be restored to its original strength and width, perfectly prepped and ready to permanently anchor a new dental implant!


A Comfortable, Routine Procedure

We understand that any oral surgery can cause anxiety, which is why your comfort dictates every step of our process.

Before we begin, we use powerful local anesthetics to completely numb the area, ensuring you feel absolutely no sharp pain during the placement of the graft. For patients who feel nervous, we also offer calming sedation options like Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) or even General Anesthesia to help you completely relax. Because the procedure is so minimally invasive, most patients are pleasantly surprised by how fast and straightforward the entire experience truly is.









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FAQs

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Where does the bone grafting material come from?
There are several safe options available today. The grafting material can be synthetic (made from biocompatible minerals), or it can come from highly sterilized, heavily processed tissue banks (bovine or human). In some specialized cases, bone can even be taken from another area of your own jaw. Dr. Park will discuss the best, safest option for your specific treatment plan.
How long does a bone graft take to heal?
While the small incision in your gums will heal in just a week or two, the actual bone regeneration process takes time. Depending on the size of the graft and your body's natural healing capabilities, it usually takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months for the new bone to become dense and strong enough to support a titanium dental implant.
Can I get an implant placed on the same day as my bone graft?
Sometimes, yes! If you only need a very minor bone graft to provide a little extra support, Dr. Park may be able to place the titanium implant and the grafting material at the exact same time. However, if you have suffered significant bone loss, the graft must fully heal and solidify for a few months before we can safely place the implant.
Do I need a bone graft if I am just getting a dental bridge?
While bone grafts are most commonly used to prepare for dental implants, Dr. Park may still recommend a minor graft (called socket preservation) after an extraction even if you are getting a bridge. This prevents the jawbone from caving in, which helps preserve your natural facial structure and ensures there isn't an unsightly gap between your gums and your new dental bridge.
Disclaimer: Please note that the provided information above is based on general knowledge, and it's always recommended to consult with Dr. Myung Kee Park or our dental team for personalized advice and recommendations regarding your or your child's specific dental needs and conditions.








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