Bone Grafting for Dental Implants at Yakima Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Yakima, WA

At Yakima Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we specialize in preparing patients for successful, long-lasting dental implants. A strong and healthy jawbone is the critical foundation for any dental implant procedure. When the jawbone has diminished in size or density, a bone grafting procedure, performed by our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Isaac Kim, can rebuild it. Dr. Kim and our dedicated team provide expert care to restore both function and confidence, ensuring you are ready for the final step in restoring your smile.

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Why Bone Grafting Is Required for Dental Implants

When a tooth is lost, the area of the jawbone that once supported it no longer receives the stimulation it needs to maintain its size and strength. Over time, this lack of stimulation causes the bone to shrink in a process called resorption. If significant time has passed since a tooth was lost, the remaining bone may be too thin or soft to securely anchor a dental implant.

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure designed to correct this deficiency. It involves placing new bone material in the area where the jaw has atrophied, encouraging your body to rebuild a solid and stable foundation.

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Common reasons for bone grafting include:

• Prolonged Tooth Absence: The jawbone has gradually shrunken over months or years.
• Advanced Gum Disease: Periodontitis can destroy the bone that supports the teeth.
• Facial Trauma or Injury: An accident may have caused significant damage to the jawbone.
• Developmental Defects: Some individuals may have naturally thin or weak bone structures.

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Types of Bone Grafting Procedures for Implant Preparation

Dr. Kim will select the appropriate bone grafting technique based on your specific needs and anatomy. The most common procedures include:

• Socket Preservation: Performed immediately after a tooth is extracted. Grafting material is placed directly into the empty socket to prevent the surrounding bone from collapsing, preserving the site for a future implant.
• Ridge Augmentation: Used to increase the width and height of the jawbone when it has become too thin to support an implant.
• Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation): A specialized graft for the upper back jaw. When upper molars are lost, the sinus cavity can expand downward, leaving insufficient bone height for an implant. This procedure lifts the sinus membrane and places bone graft material underneath it, creating the necessary vertical bone.

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The Bone Grafting Process at Our Practice

• Consultation and 3D Imaging: Your first step is a thorough evaluation with Dr. Kim, which includes advanced 3D imaging to assess the precise volume and density of your jawbone.
• Personalized Treatment Plan: Dr. Kim will create a custom treatment plan, explaining which type of graft is needed and the materials that will be used.
• The Procedure: The area will be completely numbed with local anesthetic. For your comfort, sedation options are available. Dr. Kim will then carefully place the bone grafting material in the targeted area.
• Healing and Integration: Over the next several months, your body will naturally integrate the graft material, creating new, strong bone. This healing period is essential for creating a solid foundation for your implant.

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Advanced Technology and Materials

Our practice utilizes state-of-the-art technology for precise and effective bone grafting procedures. 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) provides detailed, three-dimensional images of your jaw, allowing for meticulous surgical planning. We also use a variety of safe and sterile bone grafting materials, including your own bone, donor bone, or synthetic materials, to achieve the best possible results.

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Your Comfort and Safety

Your well-being is our primary concern. Bone grafting is performed in our sterile surgical suite, and we offer a range of sedation options to ensure you remain completely relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. Our experienced team will monitor you closely from start to finish. After the procedure, you will receive detailed instructions for at-home care to promote a smooth and successful recovery. Most patients find the recovery manageable with mild pain relievers and a temporary diet of soft foods.

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Meet Your Surgeon: Dr. Isaac Kim

Dr. Isaac Kim, D.D.S., is the dedicated oral surgeon at Yakima Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. He helps patients in Yakima, WA, with a wide range of health conditions, including those requiring bone grafting to prepare for dental implants. His expertise ensures your procedure is handled with the highest standards of safety and precision.

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Insurance and Financing

We strive to make exceptional care accessible. We accept many insurance plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Regence, and Aetna, and offer flexible payment options, including CareCredit, to fit your budget.