The short answer
A dental bone graft adds bone or bone-like material to the jaw where bone has been lost, creating a solid foundation for dental implants. Socket preservation grafts are often placed right after an extraction. At Pacific Dental Group in Montebello, grafting is planned with 3D imaging and typically heals in about three to six months.
- Purpose
- Rebuild bone for implants
- Common type
- Socket preservation after extraction
- Healing
- 3–6 months
- Comfort
- Local anesthetic; sedation available
Who bone grafting is right for
- Patients told they lack bone for implants
- Anyone having a tooth extracted who may want an implant later
- Long-term denture wearers with bone loss
- Bone loss from gum disease
What to expect, step by step
Scan
3D imaging measures bone height and width.
Place
Graft material is placed and covered with a protective membrane.
Heal
Your body gradually replaces graft with your own bone.
Implant
Once mature, the site is ready for an implant.
Why does the jawbone shrink after tooth loss?
Bone stays healthy when tooth roots stimulate it during chewing. When a tooth is lost, that stimulation stops and the bone can shrink significantly in the first year. Grafting at the time of extraction is the easiest way to prevent this.
Bone Grafting cost in Montebello
Some PPO plans cover grafting associated with extractions or implants. Fees are included in your itemized implant plan; financing is available for qualifying patients.
Most major PPO plans and Denti-Cal accepted. Cash and card patients welcome, with financing for qualifying patients. See insurance & financing.
Bone Grafting FAQs
Is a bone graft painful?
Most patients report mild soreness for a few days, managed with over-the-counter medication.
Where does graft material come from?
Common options include processed donor bone and synthetic materials that are safe and well-studied. We review choices with you.
Can I get an implant the same day as a graft?
Sometimes, when bone loss is minor. Larger grafts need healing time first.
How long until I can get an implant?
Usually three to six months, depending on the graft size and location.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lina Shahinyan, DDS, MS· Source: American Academy of Periodontology
