Bone Grafting
If you suffer from bone and tooth loss, you may not initially qualify for dental implants.
Drs. Sean Healy and Diego Hurtado combine compassion and experience to perform successful bone grafts in Santa Fe, NM. Learn how we can strengthen your jaw and help you qualify for life-changing dental implants.
Types of Bone Grafts
Block Bone Graft
A block bone or autogenous graft is a great option for patients who have lost a significant amount of bone density.
Sinus Lift
If a patient is missing upper molars, the maxillary sinus may descend and fill in the area where tooth roots once resided. Sinus lift surgery gently repositions the membrane and grafting material is added underneath.
Socket Graft
Also known as a ridge preservation, this surgery involves placing a socket graft after an extraction. This stops the body from resorbing the surrounding bone and preserves the site for future implant placement.
Benefits of a Bone Graft At Our Office Serving Santa Fe, Taos, and Los Alamos, NM
Prepare You For Implants
If you have too much bone loss in your jawbone, you may be disqualified for dental implants. Bone grafting creates a solid base for titanium posts to be surgically implanted into your jawbone, even if you have low bone tissue. Implants can anchor crowns, bridges, or dentures more securely than traditional prosthetics.
Improve Your Oral Health
A bone graft preserves existing bone tissue in your jaw and regenerates what was lost, protecting against jawbone atrophy. After a tooth extraction, graft surgery can be performed immediately to prevent the collapse of the socket and maintain your oral health.
Long-Term Solution
Combined with good oral hygiene and regular dental appointments, bone grafting and implants can provide a lifetime of benefits. Implants stimulate tissue in the jawbone, preventing future bone loss.
“A fantastic oral surgeon.” Hear From Our Patients
“Dr. Emilio Diego is a fantastic Oral Surgeon, and is very easy to speak, as well. He also does very thorough follow-up visits, and provides all the information you need, and some you just want, in an understandable way. I highly recommend him!”
Karen Douglas
Rebuild Your Smile Contact Our Oral Surgeons
If you are missing teeth and have low bone density in your jawbone, it can be easy to assume you can never have dental implants. A graft at our Santa Fe dental office, serving Taos, Los Alamos, and nearby is a comfortable procedure and will reinstate your candidacy for dental implants after your surgery.
Both Dr. Healy and Dr. Hurtado are oral and maxillofacial surgeons who have specialized education and technology to safely perform complex dental procedures like bone grafting. During your initial consultation, our doctors will examine your medical history and review your candidacy for a bone graft.
Contact us directly on our website to find out more about the surgery or call:
(505) 984-0694
Explore Your Candidacy
For the right patients, bone grafting can offer many benefits while helping you qualify for dental implants and restoring your oral health and function. You may be a good candidate if you:
Are in Good Health
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure, so patients must be in good overall health. It is important that you let your dentist know of any health conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune disease, as well as any medications you take.
Do Not Use Tobacco Products
Tobacco use is linked to a number of overall health and oral health issues. It can also increase your risk of surgical complications as well as further bone deterioration. It is best to stop all tobacco products before your surgery and remain tobacco-free.
Have Substantial Bone Loss
Dental implants are the only restorative dentistry treatment that can replace missing teeth as well as stop and prevent bone deterioration. However, not every patient who suffers tooth loss has bone loss, and some patients may qualify for treatment without bone grafting.
We Carefully Screen
Each Bone Graft Candidate
To ensure the success of every bone graft performed at Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe, Dr. Sean Healy and Dr. Diego Hurtado carefully screen every candidate and provide honest feedback. If we do not believe that a bone graft will truly help your case, we will not perform the procedure.
Another Satisfied Santa Fe Patient
“Dr. Diego Hurtado was my surgeon, and he was amazing!! He was very caring and kind. He was quick, precise, and kept making sure I was okay the entire time. The dental assistant also called me the next day to check on me, which I appreciated. She also made my experience a good one. Thank you, Dr. Hurtado and staff!! I felt very safe and comfortable with you guys, and I highly recommend your office to anyone who needs extractions.”
Antoinette
Timeline of a Bone Graft Procedure
The bone grafting process usually takes about three to six months before a patient is ready for dental implants. We can schedule your dental implant surgery at our Santa Fe, NM, office after the new bone has healed and strengthened your jawbone. Here is what you can expect during a bone grafting procedure:
Our doctors offer sedation dentistry to ensure your complete comfort from start to finish.
Bone Grafting Is Virtually Painless
Some patients may think bone grafting is too painful for them to undergo. A combination of anesthesia and sedation will keep you deeply relaxed throughout your surgery.
Sedation dentistry is also a great option for patients who are anxious or have difficulty sitting still. You don't have to delay your treatment due to fear. Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe will help you relax during your oral health-enhancing treatment.
Why Get Dental Implants After a Bone Graft?
Although getting a necessary bone graft before dental implant surgery can take months to recover from, patients say it's worth the wait. Dental implants offer more benefits that traditional prosthetics don't, including:
- Preventing jawbone atrophy
- Improved smile
- Strengthened bite
- Stabilize neighboring teeth
- Prevent facial sagging and premature aging
Whether you are missing a single tooth, a row of teeth, or an entire arch of teeth, dental implants can anchor a prosthetic that will fill in the gaps in your smile. Our oral surgeons Dr. Healy and Dr. Hurtado will use their advanced education and specialized technology to safely place implants into your jawbone.
If you are interested in dental implants, schedule an appointment at our Santa Fe, NM, office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting in Santa Fe, NM
Q. Are there treatment alternatives to bone grafting?
A. It depends on your degree of bone loss. Patients with mild-to-moderate bone loss may qualify for All-on-4 dental implant treatment, which can often eliminate the need for bone grafting. However, if you have severe bone loss, bone grafting may be the best option for you.
Q. What type of grafting material is used?
A. The answer to this question will vary from patient to patient. Your oral surgeon will discuss your options which may include using bone from another part of your body, synthetic bone material, or even a donor graft.
Q. How long does bone grafting surgery take?
A. On average, bone grafting takes anywhere from 45-90 minutes. However, this may take longer if you need any additional work or if you are having dental implants placed on the same day as your bone graft.
Have other questions or concerns about bone grafting? We are happy to answer them or help you book an appointment with our skilled oral surgeons to see if you qualify for treatment.
More Top Reviews From Santa Fe, Taos, and Los Alamos, NM
“Not a fan of anything dental. However, this is the place to come if you need any oral surgery. Dr. Hurtado and the entire staff are top notch!!”
Kay Hammock
