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Bone Grafting in San Diego, CA

Bone loss in the jaw is a common issue that can result from tooth loss, periodontal disease, or injury. When your jawbone deteriorates, it can compromise the stability of your remaining teeth, limit your ability to receive dental implants, and even change your facial appearance over time. At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics in San Diego, our bone grafting procedures focus on restoring the strength and structure of your jaw to support lasting oral health and confidence.

Using advanced bone grafting techniques, Dr. Kohani gently and precisely rebuilds the lost bone, creating a strong, stable foundation for future dental restorations. Each bone graft treatment is personalized and designed to achieve natural-looking, functional results that enhance your smile and preserve your overall facial harmony.

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What Is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical dental procedure that rebuilds or strengthens bone tissue in areas of your jaw where it has been lost or damaged. It is performed to address bone loss (also known as bone resorption) in your jaw, whether due to trauma, periodontal disease, or in preparation for dental implants. When bone resorption occurs, your jawbone may lack the density and volume necessary to support dental restorations or even maintain your facial structure.

A bone graft introduces new bone material that not only stimulates your body’s natural ability to regenerate bone but also serves as a framework for the new bone growth. Over time, your body replaces the graft with living bone tissue, restoring the structural foundation that supports long-term oral health or future restorations.

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Types of Bone Grafts

There are several reasons a bone graft may be performed, including:

  • Socket Preservation: Socket preservation is performed immediately after a tooth extraction to maintain bone height and preserve the natural shape of the tooth socket.
  • Sinus Lift: A sinus lift is often performed in preparation for dental implants, adding bone to the upper jaw near your molars or premolars by gently lifting the sinus area and placing graft material into the space beneath it.
  • Ridge Augmentation: When bone loss has occurred over time, ridge augmentation helps rebuild the natural contour of your jaw.
  • Periodontal Bone Graft: Advanced gum disease can cause bone loss, so a periodontal bone graft may be performed to restore stability to your teeth and support in your jaw.

What Are the Benefits of Bone Grafting?

Restores Bone Structure and Strength

Bone grafting rebuilds your jaw where the bone has weakened or deteriorated, restoring both height and density to the affected area. This is especially important after tooth loss, gum disease, or trauma, which can cause bone resorption over time. By replenishing bone volume, grafting helps rebuild the strength and stability needed to support restorations like dental implants or to keep neighboring teeth stable and healthy. A stronger bone structure also enhances your oral function, making it easier to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.

Preserves Facial Shape

If you’ve experienced bone loss in your jaw, your lower face may begin to look less supported because the tissues in that area no longer have the same foundation as before. Bone grafting restores lost bone, not only helping to maintain the natural contours of your jaw and cheeks but also supporting and stabilizing your teeth and providing a foundation for long-term restorative or cosmetic dental work.

Creates a Stable Foundation for Dental Implants

Dental implants need solid bone to maintain long-term success. If your jawbone lacks sufficient density or volume, your implants may not integrate as securely as needed. Bone grafting provides the necessary foundation for secure, durable dental implant placement. Once healed, the new bone will bond seamlessly with the implant post through osseointegration, ensuring your restoration looks, feels, and functions just like your natural tooth.

“At our practice, we do not cut corners. We only use the most advanced, cutting-edge equipment available.”rn— Dr. Kohani


What Is the

What Is the Process for Bone Grafting?

  • Consultation

    Your bone grafting procedure begins with a thorough consultation and evaluation. At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Kohani uses advanced 3D imaging technology to assess the quality and volume of your jawbone. These detailed scans reveal the extent of bone loss and help determine which bone-grafting method will provide the most predictable and lasting results.

    During your appointment, Dr. Kohani will review your medical history, provide a detailed explanation of the available treatment options, and outline what to expect at each phase of the process. This personalized approach ensures you have a clear understanding of bone grafting, covering everything from treatment to the recovery timeline and your expected results.

  • Preparation of the Site

    Dr. Kohani begins your bone grafting procedure by gently preparing the area for the graft. This ensures a clean, healthy foundation and gives the new bone material the best environment for integration. In some cases, the existing bone may be shaped to create better contact between the graft and the natural bone, helping ensure long-term stability.

  • Placement of the Graft Material

    Once the treatment area is ready, the chosen grafting material is precisely positioned within the prepared site. Depending on your needs, the bone graft may come from one of the following sources:

    • Autogenous bone (your own bone): Harvested from areas such as the chin, jaw, or hip, this type of bone provides the best integration since it comes from your own body.
    • Allogeneic bone (donor bone): Processed and sterilized bone from a tissue bank.
    • Xenograft (animal-derived bone): Commonly taken from bovine sources and treated for safe use.
    • Alloplastic graft (synthetic bone): Man-made materials designed to mimic the natural structure of human bone.

    Dr. Kohani shapes the graft material to restore the proper bone height, width, and volume. In some cases, an additional protective layer may be placed over the graft to support healing.

  • Stabilization and Closure

    After the bone graft is placed, the area is secured so it remains stable during healing. The gum tissue is then closed over the graft. Stability during this stage of your bone grafting treatment is important because it allows your body to begin forming new bone that will eventually replace the graft material.

  • Healing and Integration

    Over the next several months, the bone graft integrates with your existing bone through a process called osseointegration. During this time, your body gradually incorporates and replaces the graft with new living bone tissue, creating a strong, healthy structure ready to support dental implants or other reconstructive options. You will attend follow-up appointments and undergo periodic imaging to ensure the bone graft is healing as expected.

What Is Recovery Like After Bone Grafting?

While the healing process after bone grafting varies from person to person, recovery is generally straightforward. Mild swelling and soreness are typical for the first few days and can be managed with medication, rest, and cold compresses. A soft diet is recommended, and you should avoid chewing directly on the graft site until Dr. Kohani clears you to do so. Good oral hygiene, including gentle rinsing, will support healing.

Most discomfort after your bone grafting procedure fades within a week, but complete osseointegration can take three to six months, depending on the size of the bone graft and your body’s healing response. Following Dr. Kohani’s post-operative instructions closely will help ensure a smooth recovery.

Why Should I Choose La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics in San Diego, CA, for Bone Grafting?

At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Kohani combines advanced imaging technology with surgical precision to deliver safe, customized bone grafting results. Each bone graft procedure is tailored according to your needs and anatomy, ensuring functional and aesthetic improvements that support your long-term oral health.

We proudly serve patients across San Diego, Murrieta, and Temecula. Call (858) 295-0603 to schedule your personalized bone grafting consultation today.

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Bone Grafting FAQs


How much does bone grafting cost in San Diego?


The cost of bone grafting in San Diego varies according to several factors, including the size of the graft, the type of bone used, and whether additional procedures are required. Dr. Kohani will provide a personalized cost estimate during your consultation.

Is bone grafting painful?


The bone grafting procedure is performed while you’re under anesthesia (and, if desired, sedation dentistry options) so you won’t feel any pain during surgery. Mild soreness and swelling for a few days afterward are typical side effects and can be easily managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.

Will I be able to eat normally after my bone grafting procedure?


You will begin with liquids and soft foods while the graft heals, graduating to solids (but nothing hard, chewy, or crunchy) after about a week. You will gradually work up to your regular diet by about six weeks after your bone graft surgery.

Can bone grafting fail?


Bone grafting has a high success rate when performed by a trained and experienced surgeon like Dr. Kohani; however, factors such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, or uncontrolled medical conditions like diabetes can interfere with healing and may affect your results. Following all of Dr. Kohani’s post-operative instructions closely helps ensure the best possible outcome.

How long does a bone grafting procedure take?


The length of your bone grafting procedure depends on the size and complexity of the graft. Smaller socket preservation grafts may take as little as 30 to 45 minutes, while more extensive grafts, such as sinus lifts or ridge augmentations, may take one to two hours.

Are there risks associated with bone grafting?


As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with bone grafting, including infection and delayed healing. However, these complications are rare, and most can be prevented with proper aftercare, antibiotic use when prescribed, and good oral hygiene during your recovery.

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If you are ready to see how your smile can improve with Dr. Kohani, then contact La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics at 858-295-0603 and schedule a consultation. We’d love to hear from you, and we’re excited to get started on bettering your oral health! Call our office today to learn more about what we offer.