Bone Grafting in North Miami Beach, FL

The Importance of Proper Jaw Strength

Dentists aren’t only concerned with your teeth — your jaw is just as important too because it plays a huge role in supporting your smile and the rest of your face. That’s why if you suffer from a weakened jawbone or missing teeth, it can pose a huge risk to the rest of your oral health. Luckily, at Dr. Abbo Advanced Dentistry, our expert team of dentists can help strengthen your jawbone and protect the integrity of your smile.

Your jawbone may need additional attention if it has receded, sustained significant damage, or is too weak to receive dental implants. In that case, our office can recommend a bone graft to restore the integrity of your jaw while also protecting your smile in the process.

What Is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a restorative procedure that improves the strength of your jawbone. During this treatment, your dentist will use transplanted bone and attach it directly to your jaw so that it can stimulate further growth. The result is a stronger smile that’s ready for further treatments like dental implants or bridge work. In order to have a healthy set of teeth, your jaw has to be at an optimal height, depth, and width. That’s why patients who suffer from a weaker jawbone structure are also at risk of developing further complications in the future.

While bone grafting can be done to simply improve your jaw, the surgery is typically done so that patients can receive dental implants. That way, you won’t have to worry about your fixtures being unstable or becoming loose in the future.

Types of Bone Grafts

During your initial consultation with one of our North Miami Beach dentists, they’ll be able to determine which type of bone graft may be right for you based on the health of your jaw. These procedures include:

  • Autogenous Bone Graft: This involves harvesting the bone from the patient’s own body (usually from the posterior part of the lower jaw or chin) which produces the most predictable results.
  • Allograft Bone Graft: Cadaver or synthetic bone is used for this type of procedure and can be completed in just one visit. The surgery and recovery period are quicker for patients since no bone has to be taken out from anywhere else.
  • Xenograft Bone Graft: Bone tissue from a cow is used for this type of procedure. Contrary to what many people would think, this type of bone is compatible with our own jawbone, and can promote further growth.

What Causes a Weak Jawbone?

Teeth aren’t the only things that need taking care of — your jawbone also needs proper professional dental care. Several factors can negatively affect the density of your jaw and make you more susceptible to further dental problems. Some of these factors include:

  • Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Gum disease can permanently damage your jawbone if it manages to spread past your teeth. Affected areas slowly worsen over time until your teeth become unstable and potentially loosen from your gum line.
  • Tooth Extractions: Patients who undergo tooth extraction lose 40-60 percent of the surrounding bone within three years following the extraction. This form of bone loss is known as a “bone defect.”
  • Missing Teeth: Having a missing tooth not only can lower your confidence, but the density of your jawbone as well. Your jaw requires stimulation from your teeth in order to maintain its strength. The structure will slowly start to disintegrate without it.
  • Injury & Infection: Bacterial infection and injury can cause your jaw to recede over time unless treated by a professional dentist. It’s important to have one of our dentists evaluate your jaw’s health to determine if there’s an underlying issue.

The Benefits of Bone Grafting

If you suffer from missing, infected, or damaged teeth, then bone grafting may be the right treatment for you. This procedure is a preferable alternative to instantly improving your jaw’s strength while also addressing other oral health issues. Some benefits include:

  • Strengthening your jaw’s foundation
  • Preparing your smile for dental implants
  • Correct structural deformities and add support
  • Prevent bone recession after an extraction
  • Reverse damage caused by periodontal (gum) disease

The Bone Grafting Process

The bone grafting process can take several months to complete. Before starting your procedure, you’ll first visit our North Miami Beach office for an initial consultation with one of our dentists. During this time, they’ll examine your jaw and teeth to determine which treatment is right for you.

After being deemed a candidate for undergoing a bone graft, you’ll return to our office to have the actual procedure performed. Before anything is done, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the grafting and extraction site. A small incision will be made to prepare your jaw for the new bone and anchor it in place. In some instances, a synthetic membrane will be used to cover the new bone to encourage further growth in your jaw. While bone is typically harvested from your own body, it can be obtained from a “bone bank” on occasion.

This bone will fuse with the existing jaw and promote further cell growth. After the procedure is completed, you’ll be provided with instructions for your post-op care. Your dentist will also prescribe you medication to manage the discomfort.

Are You a Candidate for Bone Grafting?

Our North Miami Beach office will be able to determine if you’re a candidate for bone grafting. During your initial visit, your dentist will examine your oral health to assess the condition of your teeth and gums. If gum disease is present or any adjacent teeth are in a poor state, these factors must be addressed before the bone grafting procedure can begin. On occasion, a CAT scan or panoramic X-rays may be recommended to measure your jaw’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bone grafting painful?

Bone grafting is virtually painless since your dentist will administer a local anesthetic. During your treatment, our staff will monitor your condition and be there to provide assistance. If there is any discomfort after your procedure, this can easily be alleviated with over-the-counter medication and a cold compress. We encourage you to contact our office at (305) 945-0909 if you continue to experience any exaggerated pain.

Will bone grafting improve my candidacy for dental implants?

Bone grafting can improve the strength of your jawbone as well as your candidacy for dental implants. Since dental implants require a solid foundation to stay secured with the rest of your other teeth, it’s important that your jawbone is dense enough to support them. That way, the procedure and recovery period are more likely to be a success.

What can I eat after a bone graft?

It’s important to follow our post-op instructions the first 24 hours after undergoing a bone graft. During this time, it’s crucial to follow our general dietary guidelines:

  • Avoid extremely hot or cold drinks
  • Avoid using straws
  • Avoid spicy, crunchy, or tough foods
  • Eat soft foods like applesauce and yogurt

We also recommend not eating at least until the effects of the anesthesia wears off. Otherwise, you may damage the surgical site and harm your recovery.

Is bone grafting covered by dental insurance?

Most insurance providers will likely cover a portion of your bone graft, since it’s considered a necessary medical procedure. Our office recommends that you contact your provider to get an exact understanding of what your coverage is. If you’d like help obtaining this information, a staff member will be more than happy to contact them on your behalf.

Strengthen Your Jaw With Dr. Abbo

Bone grafting isn’t just used for dental implants — it also strengthens your smile. If you suffer from an infected, damaged, or receding jawbone, this treatment can drastically boost your oral health and prevent further complications. At Dr. Abbo Advanced Dentistry, our dentists and staff are ready to work with you and help achieve the smile of your dreams.

To learn more about bone grafting and to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, contact our North Miami Beach office by calling (305) 945-0909 or by filling out an online contact form. We also proudly serve patients who live in the Norland, Ojus, and Keystone Islands area.


Dr. Abbo Advanced Dentistry
3031 NE 163rd Street
North Miami Beach, FL 33160
Phone: 305-945-0909
Fax: 305-945-0907
abbo@drabbo.com | Sitemap