When it comes to restoring your smile, a strong foundation matters. At Santa Barbara Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we use bone grafting to rebuild what’s been lost—so your future dental implants feel secure, natural, and long-lasting.
Why Bone Grafting May Be Needed
Your natural teeth do more than help you chew and smile—they also help maintain the bone beneath your gums. When teeth are lost, the bone in that area begins to shrink over time. This can change the shape of your jaw, affect your bite, and make dental implants more difficult to place. That’s where bone grafting comes in.
We use bone grafting to rebuild lost bone where teeth have been missing and to help support your future dental implants. The other benefit of bone grafting is that it helps preserve your natural face shape, so you maintain a more youthful appearance.
Types of Bone Grafts We Use
Every smile is different, and so are the types of bone grafting materials we use. Your oral surgeon will recommend the best option for your needs and goals.
- Autograft – Uses your own bone (often from the chin or jaw). This is ideal when natural healing and high compatibility are a priority
- Allograft – Uses donor bone from a trusted bone bank. This avoids the need for a second surgical site and speeds up the process
- Xenograft or synthetic graft – Uses animal-based or lab-created material. These are biocompatible and commonly used when larger grafts are needed
No matter which type is used, our goal is to support natural bone regrowth and create a stable base for your future restoration.
Common Grafting Techniques
Depending on your needs, we may recommend one of the following approaches:
- Ridge preservation – Bone is placed immediately after tooth removal to prevent shrinkage
- Ridge augmentation – Used to rebuild a thin or sunken area of the jaw, often from long-term tooth loss
- Sinus lift – For patients missing back teeth in the upper jaw, we gently lift the sinus floor and place bone to create room for future implants
These techniques are safe and effective—with the option of sedation to help you relax.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Before your procedure, we’ll take X-rays or a 3D scan to assess your jaw and plan the graft precisely. During the procedure, your oral surgeon will gently place the grafting material and secure the area to encourage healing. Most procedures are done right in our office with local anesthesia and, if desired, sedation.
Bone healing takes time—but it’s a key part of setting up your dental implants for long-term success. We’ll monitor your progress closely and keep you informed every step of the way.
Your Comfort Comes First
We understand that any surgical procedure can feel intimidating—but with us, you’ll be in expert hands. Our board-certified oral surgeons are known for their precision, attention to detail, and thoughtful approach. We’ll answer your questions, walk you through each step, and make sure you feel comfortable and supported throughout your care.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’ve been told you may need bone grafting—or you’re interested in dental implants but unsure about your bone health—we’re here to help. Let’s take a look together and create a treatment plan that feels right for you. Take the first step by scheduling your consultation today.
