Dental Bone Grafting in Beverly Hills and Northridge

Dental implants require a sufficient volume of healthy jawbone to integrate successfully and provide long-term stability. When a tooth has been missing for some time, or was lost as a result of infection, trauma, or gum disease, the surrounding bone can deteriorate — leaving insufficient bone to support an implant. Bone grafting rebuilds this foundation, making implant placement possible for patients who might otherwise not qualify. At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group in Beverly Hills and Northridge, CA, Dr. Mehryar Ebrahimi performs bone grafting as part of a comprehensive implant treatment plan.

What Is a Dental Bone Graft?

A dental bone graft is a surgical procedure in which bone graft material is placed in areas of the jaw where bone volume has been lost. Over time, the graft material stimulates the body's natural bone regeneration process, allowing new bone to grow and integrate with the existing jaw structure. Once sufficient bone has regenerated — typically over a period of several months — the site is ready to receive a dental implant.

Bone graft material may come from several sources:

• Autograft — bone taken from another site in the patient's own body, such as the chin or hip. Considered the gold standard but requires a second surgical site.
• Allograft — processed bone from a human donor, obtained from a tissue bank. Widely used and eliminates the need for a second surgical site.
• Xenograft — bone derived from an animal source, typically bovine. Highly biocompatible and commonly used in dental applications.
• Alloplast — a synthetic bone graft material. Predictable and does not carry any risk of disease transmission.

Dr. Ebrahimi will recommend the most appropriate graft material for your specific situation during your consultation.

When Is Bone Grafting Needed?

The Bone Grafting Process

Consultation and Planning

Dr. Ebrahimi will review X-rays or 3D imaging of your jaw to assess bone volume and density. If a graft is needed before implant placement, the type and extent of grafting required will be clearly explained, along with how it fits into your overall treatment timeline.

The Grafting Procedure

Bone grafting is performed under local anesthesia, with sedation available for patients who prefer a more relaxed experience. The graft material is placed at the target site and covered with a protective membrane to promote healing. The area is then sutured closed.

Healing and Bone Regeneration

New bone growth begins within weeks of the procedure, though full integration typically takes three to six months. During this period, a temporary restoration may be placed if needed. Once sufficient bone has formed, Dr. Ebrahimi will confirm readiness for implant placement through follow-up imaging.

Recovery After Bone Grafting

Most patients return to normal activities within a few days of the procedure. Swelling, mild discomfort, and some bruising around the surgical site are normal and typically resolve within one to two weeks. Dr. Ebrahimi will provide detailed aftercare instructions, which generally include:

• Taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed
• Applying ice packs to reduce swelling during the first 24 hours
• Eating soft foods for several days following the procedure
• Avoiding smoking, which significantly impairs healing and bone regeneration
• Keeping the surgical site clean as instructed
• Attending scheduled follow-up appointments

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bone Grafting