When you’re missing teeth for a while, your jawbone starts to shrink away because it doesn’t have those tooth roots stimulating it anymore. That’s where bone grafting comes in. Our team at AV Sierra Dental Center helps patients rebuild that lost bone so they can move forward with dental implants or other treatments that need a solid foundation. Dr Jason Oh, Dr Shanne Sastiel, Dr Michael Tran, and Dr Catherine Vu work with patients who need this procedure, walking them through every step so there aren’t any surprises.
Think of bone grafting like laying a strong foundation before building a house. You wouldn’t construct on shaky ground, and the same logic applies to your jaw. The procedure gives your bone time to regenerate and strengthen, creating the support system your future dental work needs to last.
What Happens During the Procedure
The process sounds more intimidating than it actually is. Your dentist numbs the area completely, and many patients choose oral sedation to stay relaxed throughout the appointment. Once you’re comfortable, the dentist places grafting material where your bone needs reinforcement. This material can come from different sources—sometimes it’s processed bone from a tissue bank, sometimes it’s synthetic, and occasionally it comes from another area of your own body.
Your body does the real work over the next several months. New bone cells gradually grow into and around the graft material, fusing everything together into one solid structure. It’s actually pretty remarkable how your body takes that grafting material and transforms it into living bone tissue.
Why You Might Need Bone Grafting
Several situations lead people to this treatment:
- Preparing for dental implants – Most implant patients need adequate bone height and width to hold the implant securely.
- Tooth loss – Extended periods without teeth cause significant bone deterioration.
- Gum disease damage – Advanced periodontal disease eats away at the bone supporting your teeth.
- Injury or trauma – Accidents can damage both teeth and the surrounding bone structure.
Dr Oh and our team evaluate your specific situation with detailed imaging to determine exactly how much bone rebuilding you need. Not everyone requires extensive grafting—some patients only need a minor boost in one small area.
The Recovery Timeline
You’ll feel some soreness for a few days after the procedure, similar to how you’d feel after having a tooth extracted. Ice packs help with any swelling, and your dentist provides specific instructions about caring for the area. Check out our post-op instructions for detailed guidance on what to expect.
The integration period takes longer. Your bone needs anywhere from three to six months to fully incorporate the graft material. During this time, you’re not just sitting around waiting—your body actively builds new bone tissue that becomes a permanent part of your jaw structure.
Most patients return to normal activities within a week, though you’ll avoid chewing directly on the graft site initially. Dr Sastiel, Dr Tran, or Dr Kejejian monitors your healing progress through follow-up appointments, checking that everything develops as expected.
Making Treatment Affordable
Dental procedures like bone grafting represent an investment in your long-term oral health. Our practice accepts various insurance plans and offers a dental plan that helps make treatment more accessible. The front desk team discusses all your financial options during your consultation, breaking down costs so you understand what to expect before moving forward.
Meet Your Palmdale Dental Team
Getting to know our dentists helps you feel confident about your care. Each doctor brings their own expertise and approach, but they all share the same commitment to explaining procedures thoroughly and making sure you feel heard. Whether you see Dr Oh, Dr Sastiel, Dr Tran, or Dr Kejejian, you’re working with someone who genuinely cares about getting your smile back on track.
Ready to Rebuild Your Smile’s Foundation?
Putting off bone grafting only gives your jaw more time to deteriorate, making the eventual procedure more complex. Book an appointment with our Palmdale team and let’s talk about what’s possible for your situation. You can also contact us if you have questions before scheduling. Your jawbone won’t rebuild itself, but with the right treatment plan, we can give it the boost it needs to support your dental goals for decades to come.