Bone Grafting in Simi Valley
If you've been told you don't have enough jawbone for a dental implant, or you lost a tooth a while ago and noticed the area changing, you may be wondering what comes next. For many Simi Valley patients, the answer is bone grafting: a procedure that rebuilds or preserves bone so the mouth can support the tooth replacement you want. At 805 Dentistry, our Thousand Oaks office regularly welcomes patients from Simi Valley and neighboring communities. We walk each person through this step carefully, so it feels like a clear part of the plan rather than an unexpected hurdle.
Bone grafting adds bone or bone-like material to areas of the jaw where bone has thinned or been lost. Over time, the body can integrate this material and build a firmer foundation. This matters because the jawbone needs regular stimulation from tooth roots to keep its volume. When a tooth is missing, the bone in that spot can gradually shrink.
A graft may be placed right after a tooth extraction to help preserve the socket. It can also be placed in an area that has already lost volume. A related procedure, sinus lift surgery, adds bone to the upper jaw near the sinuses, where there often isn't much height to work with. We offer both at our practice. Because we also place dental implants, your grafting and your implant care can be coordinated by one team.
Bone grafting can help in a range of situations. Common examples include:
- Preparing a site for a single dental implant or an implant-supported bridge
- Preserving bone after a surgical or simple extraction
- Building support for full arch options such as All-on-4, All-on-6, or All-on-X implants
- Adding height in the upper back jaw through a sinus lift
- Addressing bone lost to gum disease as part of periodontal regeneration
Many of our Simi Valley patients first hear about grafting while exploring implants, implant-supported dentures, or snap-in dentures. Others learn about it while being treated for gum disease. Our board-certified periodontist focuses on the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and brings that expertise to these cases.
How do you know if I need a bone graft?
We determine whether you need a graft through a careful exam and detailed imaging. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist provides CBCT imaging along with 2D and 3D dental imaging. These scans show the height, width, and density of your jawbone more clearly than a standard X-ray can.
Once we review your images, we explain what we see and why grafting may or may not be recommended. Your general health and dental history also play a role in candidacy. We go over these with you before suggesting any treatment, so you understand the reasoning behind your plan and can ask questions along the way.
What happens during the bone grafting procedure?
The procedure begins with numbing the area. We then place grafting material where bone is needed and close the site so healing can begin. The details depend on your situation. A graft placed during an extraction is often simpler than one rebuilding a larger area or lifting the sinus floor.
If you feel nervous about dental procedures, you have options. Our board-certified dental anesthesiologist offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia for patients with dental anxiety. Having these options in our own practice means Simi Valley patients don't need to coordinate care at a separate office. Our on-site dental lab also helps us keep later restorative steps connected to your overall plan.
What should I expect during recovery?
Most recovery centers on protecting the graft site while it heals. Some swelling and tenderness are common in the first days. We give you specific instructions on eating, cleaning the area, and managing discomfort, based on the type of graft you received.
Healing time varies from person to person. That's why we schedule follow-up visits to check your progress before moving on to an implant or other restoration. If something feels wrong between visits, contact us. We offer emergency dental appointments, so you won't be left waiting if a concern comes up.
How can I pay for bone grafting?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, welcome self-pay patients, and offer financing. Coverage for bone grafting depends on your plan, so our team can help you understand your benefits before treatment begins.
Because grafting is often one stage of a larger plan, we'll explain how each step fits together, so the overall picture feels manageable. If you live in Simi Valley and want to know whether bone grafting is the right foundation for your smile, reach out to schedule a consultation with our team.