Make Your Jawbone Future-ready with Bone Grafting
Are you ineligible for implants because of jawbone loss? Rediscover your healthy, stable jawbone with bone grafting services in Red Bluff and Chico, California. Bone grafting at Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc. rebuilds your jawbone, creating a solid foundation to support your implants and improve aesthetics. Don’t let bone loss limit your possibilities for a healthy, secure smile. Visit Dr. Randal S. Elloway and his team, and they will help you rebuild your smile at its foundation.
Why do I need bone grafting?
When you have prolonged tooth loss, the body begins to break down bone in that area through resorption. When this bone degradation has been there for a while, there’s usually not enough bone left to anchor an implant and support the osseointegration process.
Bone loss doesn’t mean that you can’t benefit from dental implants. Bone grafting can rebuild your jawbone using a dental graft harvested from several sources, including:
- Your own body (autografts): They are derived from your body, such as the hips or jaws. One notable advantage of autografts is that they contain live cells, which ensure faster healing. However, they involve a second surgery, which may derail your recovery.
- Human donors: Allogenic bone or allograft is donor bone sourced from a cadaver. Unlike autogenous bone, it can’t produce new bone on its own. Instead, it serves as a scaffold, guiding natural bone to grow into the area and repair the defect.
- Animals: Xenografts are derived from the non-living bone of another species, most commonly bovine (cow) sources. It undergoes high-temperature processing to eliminate any risk of immune rejection or contamination.
Our doctor will explain the pros and cons of each grafting material and help determine the one that best suits your needs.
What can I expect from bone grafting?
Your treatment starts with a consultation with Dr. Elloway to assess your candidacy for bone grafting. If so, we’ll apply local anesthesia and possibly sedation dentistry to ensure a comfortable dental experience.
Once you’re comfortable, we’ll make a small incision on your jaw and place the grafting material. Then, we carefully stitch the area to kick-start healing. Your procedure takes 60-90 minutes and causes minimal discomfort. Our patients are thrilled to discover that it is more comfortable and seamless than it sounds.
What does bone grafting aftercare involve?
As with any surgery, recovery goes more smoothly following the aftercare guidelines. You can control pain and swelling with pain medication and home remedies. Remember to take antibiotics as directed to prevent infections.
Other aftercare tips include:
- Rest: The best thing you can do after surgery is rest—it allows your body to recover. Hold off on heavy exercise or strenuous tasks for at least a week.
- Oral hygiene: Keep your mouth clean with gentle brushing and flossing to prevent bacterial infections.
- Diet: Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods during healing. Avoid chewing on the side of the grafting site until you heal.
Your gums will take about a week to heal. However, the jawbone needs 4-6 months to heal and integrate fully with the jawbone. We’ll schedule check-in appointments to monitor your healing progress during this period.
Do you need bone grafting near Red Bluff?
Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc. combines technical excellence with cutting-edge technology to achieve outstanding results with bone grafting. Whether you need a bone graft for one tooth or several, trust Dr. Elloway and his team with top-tier dental care. Call our office in Red Bluff (530) 527-6777 or Chico (530) 877-4994 to get started.
Additional Information Patients Commonly Ask About
Does bone grafting hurt?
Not as much as you might think! Dr. Randal Elloway and his team in Chico and Red Bluff, California, prioritize your comfort and well-being. From local anesthesia to other pain management options, the procedure is carefully tailored to minimize discomfort. Most of our patients report only mild soreness after the procedure, which is usually managed well with over-the-counter pain relievers.
What materials are used for a bone graft?
Bone grafting materials come from a variety of sources. These include your own bone (autograft), donated human bone (allograft), animal bone (xenograft), or synthetic materials. We take the time to assess your individual case and recommend the best option for you.
How long does it take to recover from a bone graft?
Recovery times vary depending on the size and location of the graft. On average, you can expect the healing process to take several months as your new bone integrates naturally. Dr. Elloway schedules follow-up visits to track your smile’s progress and ensure everything is healing as expected.
Is bone grafting covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans partially or fully cover bone grafting, particularly if it is deemed medically necessary. Our friendly office staff in Chico and Red Bluff, California, is happy to assist you in verifying your dental insurance benefits and explaining coverage details.
What is the cost of bone grafting?
The cost of the bone grafting treatment varies according to factors such as the type of material used and the complexity of the procedure. During your consultation, we provide you with a detailed estimate and discuss payment options to make the procedure accessible for you.
Can anyone get a bone graft?
While many of our patients are good candidates for bone grafting, Dr. Elloway evaluates your health history, oral condition, and treatment goals during your consultation in Chico or Red Bluff, California. Certain factors, including systemic health and dental history, help determine if bone grafting is right for you.
How do I find a qualified bone grafting specialist?
If you’re in the Northern California area, you do not need to look any further than our office! With years of specialized expertise and offices conveniently located in both Chico and Red Bluff, California, you will receive top-notch care close to home.
What are the benefits of bone grafting?
Bone grafting provides a strong foundation for dental implants, improves jawbone stability, and promotes overall oral health. It also enhances facial structure, especially if bone loss has caused changes in appearance. We strive to deliver these life-changing benefits to every patient.
Are there risks involved with bone grafting?
Bone grafting is a relatively safe procedure, especially when performed by an experienced professional like Dr. Elloway. While rare, as with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of infection or graft rejection, but these risks are minimized with proper care and expertise.
Can I schedule a consultation easily?
Absolutely! Our offices in Chico and Red Bluff, California, make it simple to schedule a consultation. Whether you call or request an appointment online, our team is ready to guide you through the process. We can evaluate your candidacy and discuss the numerous benefits that bone grafting may offer you.
