Bone Grafting and Sinus Lifts

Have you been told you don't have enough bone in your jaw to get a dental implant? It can be disappointing, especially when you had your heart set on this life-transforming procedure. Fortunately, with bone grafting, this doesn't have to be the end of your implant journey.

Dr. Norma Vazquez offers advanced bone grafting procedures, including sinus lifts, to help patients qualify for dental implants. As an experienced dental implant dentist in Riverside, CA, she uses these procedures to help patients overcome bone loss and achieve the complete, functional smiles they desire.

Why Bone Grafting Matters for Implants

Dental implants need adequate jawbone for support, much like plants need soil for their roots. When teeth are missing for an extended period, the jawbone naturally shrinks or resorbs because tooth roots no longer exist to stimulate it. This bone loss can make implant placement difficult or impossible without first rebuilding the bone foundation.

Types of Dental Bone Grafting We Offer

Bone grafting uses specialized material to rebuild your jawbone where it has thinned or receded. The grafting material may come from your own body (autograft), a tissue bank (allograft), animal sources (xenograft), or synthetic materials. All donor materials undergo processing and sterilization to ensure safety.

Traditional Bone Grafting

This procedure adds bone material to areas affected by bone loss. The grafting material serves as a scaffold that your body eventually replaces with new, natural bone, strengthening the jaw and creating a solid foundation for dental implants.

Sinus Lifts or Augmentation

The challenge for upper back teeth is often the maxillary sinus cavity located just above them. A sinus lift—also called augmentation—gently raises the sinus membrane and adds bone material beneath it, creating more space for implants in the upper jaw.

Tooth Socket Preservation

When a tooth is extracted, placing grafting material in the socket immediately helps maintain the bone's shape and volume. We use this preventive approach to make future implant placement easier and more predictable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after a bone graft can I get a dental implant?

Patience is key to ensuring successful dental implants after a bone graft. The healing timeline varies depending on your unique situation and the type of bone graft performed.

Dental Bone Graft Timeline

Typical Waiting Periods — For minor bone grafts, we typically wait 3–4 months before placing dental implants. This allows the grafted material to integrate with natural bone and create a solid foundation. More extensive procedures like sinus lifts may require 6–9 months of healing before implant placement.
Factors Affecting Healing — Several factors influence your unique healing schedule, including your overall health, whether you smoke, the location of the graft, and the type of grafting material used. Dr. Vazquez will evaluate these factors during your consultation to create a customized treatment plan.
Monitoring Your Progress — We'll carefully track your healing through follow-up appointments and, when necessary, 3-D imaging with our advanced CBCT technology to ensure optimal bone density before proceeding.

While waiting for bone graft healing may feel like a long process, this critical healing period establishes the solid foundation your implant needs for long-term success. Rushing this process risks implant failure and further complications.

For more information about bone grafting and dental implants in Riverside, CA, contact our office at (951) 683-0333 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vazquez. Our friendly team serves patients from Riverside, Jurupa Valley, Corona, and Colton.

What to Expect with Dental Bone Grafting

Consultation and Planning

The process for bone grafting begins with a comprehensive evaluation using advanced 3-D imaging to assess your bone structure. Dr. Vazquez will explain your specific needs, how grafting can benefit your situation, and then create a personalized treatment plan.

The Grafting Procedure

Bone grafting is performed under local anesthesia. You won't feel any pain and will remain comfortable throughout the procedure. We also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) if you need extra help to relax. The procedure involves carefully placing the grafting material in the area needing augmentation and securing it with a protective membrane.

Bone Grafting Healing

Healing times vary depending on the type and extent of grafting:

Socket preservation: 3–4 months
Traditional bone grafting: 4–6 months
Sinus lifts: 6–12 months

During healing, your body gradually replaces the grafting material with your natural bone. Dr. Vazquez monitors your progress to ensure optimal healing.

Meet Our Dentist:

Dr. Norma Vazquez

Dr. Norma Vazquez brings global expertise to her practice, having begun her dental career in 1993 after graduating from the University of São Paulo in Brazil. Upon moving to the United States, she completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Loma Linda University before working as an associate for several years and opening her practice in 2009.

For Dr. Vazquez, dentistry represents the perfect blend of science and art, allowing her to work with her hands and create meaningful, lasting results that positively impact patients' self-esteem. She treasures the relationships ...

Moving forward with Dental Implants

Once healing is complete and new bone has formed, you'll be ready for dental implant placement. Dr. Vazquez will guide you through this next step toward your new smile.

Can Dental Bone Grafting Benefit You?

Don't let insufficient bone prevent you from enjoying the benefits of dental implants in Riverside, CA. Call our Riverview Drive office at (951) 683-0333 or our Madison Street location at (951) 352-0300 to schedule a consultation with our dental bone grafting dentist. Dr. Vazquez will work with you to find the ideal solution for your unique needs, proudly serving patients from Jurupa Valley, Corona, Colton, and surrounding communities.

Expert Bone Grafting Procedures in Riverside, CA

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