Successful, long-lasting dental implants require a solid foundation of healthy, dense jawbone. However, when a tooth is lost or extracted, the surrounding bone no longer receives the stimulation it needs from chewing forces, causing it to naturally resorb and thin over time. Advanced gum disease, trauma, and long-term denture wear can also lead to significant bone loss. If you do not have sufficient bone depth or width, a dental implant cannot be safely placed. Fortunately, bone grafting is a highly reliable oral surgery procedure that regenerates lost bone, creating a stable, secure foundation for dental implants. Dr. José Moguel, a dental implant dentist, is an expert in bone grafting in Los Algodones, Mexico.
Bone grafting may use donor, synthetic, animal-derived, or autogenous material depending on the site and treatment plan. The clinician should explain the material source, surgical approach, risks, alternatives, and expected healing before consent.
Graft healing commonly takes several months, but the timeline and amount of new bone vary. Follow-up imaging and examination determine whether implant placement can proceed. Your written plan should identify the graft material, expected stages, risks, and fees.
In many cases, bone grafting can be performed at the same time as a tooth extraction (socket preservation). This prevents the bone from collapsing immediately after the tooth is removed, saving you time and reducing the number of surgeries. Dr. Moguel will evaluate your bone density during your initial consultation using our in-office 3D CBCT scanner to determine the best approach for your specific needs.
