Dental implants are one of the most life-changing restorative solutions available today, but not every patient has the bone structure needed to support them right away. When bone loss has occurred due to tooth extraction, gum disease, or years of missing teeth, a bone graft may be a necessary step before implants can be placed, and it can make all the difference in the long-term success of your restoration.
At LALUME Dental Studio in Newport Beach, we offer bone grafting as part of our comprehensive approach to dental implants and restorative care. Led by Dr. Shahira Saad, a UCLA School of Dentistry graduate who trained in advanced oral surgery techniques during her AEGD residency, our team is proud to provide this foundational procedure with the precision and artistry our patients expect. We also welcome Dr. Bakian, our in-house periodontist, who visits monthly to perform specialty procedures, including sinus lifts, dental implants, and complex grafting cases.
We believe that preparing your smile for implants should be just as thoughtful as the implant process itself.
Every bone grafting case at LALUME begins with a thorough evaluation of your bone volume, density, and overall oral health, so we can map out the most conservative and effective path forward for your restoration.
With Dr. Ara joining us monthly as our in-house periodontist, you can access advanced grafting procedures, including sinus lifts and complex site preparations, without being referred outside our practice.
From our sedation options to our spa-like Newport Beach environment, we have designed every aspect of the LALUME experience to keep you relaxed and informed throughout your care.
Bone grafting is a procedure that restores or builds up areas of the jaw where bone density or volume has been lost. When a tooth is extracted or lost, the surrounding bone begins to resorb over time without the stimulation of a tooth root. This resorption can leave the jaw too narrow or shallow to securely support an implant. Research published in the National Institutes of Health has found that simultaneous bone augmentation with implant placement achieves a high clinical success rate of 97.83% in large-scale cohorts, reinforcing that bone grafting is a well-established and predictable step in implant care.
We may recommend bone grafting if you have had a tooth extracted, experienced bone loss from gum disease, or have been missing a tooth for an extended period. In some cases, a sinus lift, a specialized form of bone augmentation for the upper jaw, may also be appropriate. Dr. Saad always takes the most conservative approach possible, preserving as much of your natural structure as possible while creating the healthy foundation your implant will need.
The bone grafting process is typically straightforward, though the timeline varies depending on the extent of grafting needed and how your jaw heals. At your initial consultation, Dr. Saad or Dr. Bakian will review your imaging, explain the recommended approach, and walk you through what recovery may look like. Our oral surgery team uses digital scanning rather than traditional impressions, which provides precise measurements and supports a smoother overall experience.
After grafting, the treated area needs time to heal and integrate before an implant can be placed. This period typically ranges from a few months, depending on the volume of bone that was grafted and your individual healing response.
During recovery, we provide clear post-operative instructions and remain available to address any questions or concerns. Patients often report that the procedure is far more comfortable than they expected, particularly with our sedation options available. Once healing is confirmed, we will coordinate the next stage of your full-mouth rehabilitation or single-tooth implant placement.
If you have questions about bone grafting, you are not alone. Here are answers to some of the things our patients ask us most.
Not always. Some patients have adequate bone volume and density to proceed with implant placement directly. Dr. Saad evaluates each case individually and will only recommend bone grafting if it is truly necessary for a successful, long-lasting outcome.
The procedure is performed with local anesthesia, and we offer sedation options to help you stay comfortable throughout. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the experience is. Any post-procedure soreness is typically mild and can be addressed with appropriate care and medication.
Healing timelines vary based on the amount of bone grafted and individual factors such as overall health and bone density. In general, patients wait several months after grafting before implant placement to allow for full osseointegration of the graft material.
In many cases, yes. A socket preservation graft placed at the time of tooth extraction can help prevent bone loss from occurring in the first place, keeping the site ready for a future implant with minimal additional preparation.
Coverage depends on your specific plan and whether the procedure is classified as medically necessary. Our team can help you review your benefits and discuss financing options through Cherry and CareCredit to make your care as accessible as possible.
Give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team members, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Saad.
Bone grafting is not a barrier to implants; it is the foundation that makes them possible. At LALUME Dental Studio, Dr. Shahira Saad and Dr. Bakian bring advanced training, specialty expertise, and genuine care to every step of the process, from initial evaluation through final restoration. Dr. Saad’s UCLA training, combined with her commitment to minimally invasive care, means you can trust that every recommendation is made with your long-term oral health in mind.
We welcome patients from Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Irvine, and surrounding communities throughout Orange County. Whether you are preparing for your first implant or exploring options after bone loss, we are here to help you build the healthy smile you deserve. To take the first step, we invite you to contact our office and schedule your consultation today.
Receive high-quality, personalized treatment recommendations from Dr. Saad and get answers to all your smile questions from the comfort of your own home.
Ample secure and safe paid parking located on-site.
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