Upper West Side Bone Grafting

Are you experiencing bone loss in your jaw due to missing teeth or periodontal disease? Are you considering dental implants but have been told you lack sufficient bone density? Bone grafting at Dental West NYC on Manhattan’s Upper West Side may be the solution you need to restore your oral health and create a strong foundation for dental implants. This specialized procedure can help rebuild lost bone structure, allowing you to enjoy a complete, functional smile once again.

What Is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a specialized dental procedure that rebuilds or replaces lost bone in your jaw. When teeth are lost or periodontal disease damages the supporting structures, the jawbone begins to deteriorate over time. This bone loss can make it difficult or impossible to place dental implants, which require adequate bone volume and density for successful integration.

During a bone grafting procedure, bone material is strategically placed in areas of bone loss to stimulate your body’s natural regenerative abilities. Over time, this grafting material serves as a scaffold for new bone growth, ultimately creating a stronger, more stable foundation for dental implants or other restorative treatments.

At Dental West NYC, we utilize our advanced PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser – the only FDA-approved device to regrow bone – to enhance the bone regeneration process, providing superior results with less discomfort and faster healing.

When Is Bone Grafting Necessary?

You may benefit from bone grafting if you:

• Have lost one or more teeth and are considering dental implants
• Have experienced bone loss due to periodontal disease
• Need to replace failing dental work
• Have suffered facial trauma affecting your jawbone
• Have congenital bone deficiencies
• Are experiencing bone recession around existing teeth

During your comprehensive consultation, Dr. Leora Walter or Dr. Michelle Kamel will evaluate your unique situation using digital imaging to determine if bone grafting is the right solution for your specific needs. We take x-rays only when necessary – typically every 2-2.5 years rather than annually – and we’re happy to use your existing x-rays if you can provide them.

Types of Bone Grafts at Dental West NYC

At Dental West NYC, we offer several types of bone grafting procedures, each designed to address specific bone loss situations:

Socket Preservation

This common procedure is performed immediately after tooth extraction to prevent the bone loss that naturally occurs when a tooth is removed. By filling the empty socket with grafting material, we can maintain the bone structure and create an ideal site for a future implant.

Ridge Augmentation

When significant bone loss has occurred in the jaw, ridge augmentation can rebuild the natural contour of your jawbone, creating sufficient width and height for dental implant placement.

Sinus Lift

For patients who need implants in the upper jaw, particularly in the back of the mouth, a sinus lift may be necessary. This specialized procedure adds bone between your jaw and the maxillary sinuses to create adequate space for implant placement.

Guided Bone Regeneration

This technique uses specialized barriers or membranes to protect the grafting material and encourage focused bone growth in the treatment area. The barriers prevent unwanted tissue from invading the grafting site while allowing bone-forming cells to regenerate the lost bone.

The Bone Grafting Procedure at Dental West NYC

At Dental West NYC, your comfort and care are our priorities throughout your bone grafting procedure. Here’s what you can expect:

Before the Procedure

We’ll conduct a thorough examination of your oral health, including digital imaging to assess your bone structure. We’ll discuss your treatment goals and develop a personalized plan for your bone grafting procedure.

During the Procedure

Your bone grafting procedure at our Upper West Side office typically takes 45-90 minutes, depending on the extent of bone loss and the type of graft being performed:

1. We’ll administer a local anesthetic to ensure your complete comfort throughout the procedure. Sedation options are also available for patients with dental anxiety.
2. Dr. Walter or Dr. Kamel will make a small incision in your gum tissue to access the area of bone loss.
3. The grafting material will be carefully placed in the treatment area. Depending on your specific needs, this material may be:
   • Autograft: Bone harvested from another area of your own body
   • Allograft: Bone from a human donor source
   • Xenograft: Bone from an animal source
   • Alloplast: Synthetic bone substitute
4. In many cases, we’ll use our advanced PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser to enhance bone regeneration and promote faster healing.
5. A protective membrane may be placed over the graft to guide bone regeneration and prevent unwanted tissue growth in the area.
6. The gum tissue is then repositioned and secured with sutures.

After the Procedure

Following your bone grafting procedure, we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing:

• Temporary diet modifications to soft foods
• Gentle oral hygiene practices around the treated area
• Over-the-counter pain relievers if needed (most patients experience only mild discomfort)
• Antimicrobial mouth rinses if prescribed

Most patients can return to their normal activities within a day or two, though complete healing and bone integration may take several months. We’ll schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and determine when you’re ready for the next phase of your treatment plan, such as dental implant placement.

Benefits of Bone Grafting at Dental West NYC

When performed by our experienced dental team, bone grafting offers numerous benefits:

• Creates a strong foundation for dental implants
• Prevents further bone loss and deterioration
• Preserves facial structure and aesthetics
• Improves function and stability of existing or replacement teeth
• Enhances overall oral health
• Provides long-term solutions for tooth replacement

Advanced Technology for Superior Results

At Dental West NYC, we utilize state-of-the-art technology for our bone grafting procedures, including our advanced PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser. This FDA-approved device is the only laser proven to help regrow bone, offering significant advantages for our bone grafting patients.

Why Choose Dental West NYC for Your Bone Grafting

Our practice philosophy centers on minimally invasive, preventive dentistry using the most advanced technology. Our team includes Dr. Leora Walter, a surgically trained prosthodontist, and Dr. Michelle Kamel, who graduated with honors in Periodontics from New York University College of Dentistry and received extensive post-doctorate training in Periodontics & Implant Dentistry.

We take pride in our patient-centered approach, taking time to thoroughly explain your condition and treatment options. Our goal is to help you maintain your natural teeth for a lifetime while providing exceptional solutions when restoration is necessary.

Book Your Consultation Today

If you’re experiencing bone loss or considering dental implants, Dental West NYC offers the expertise and technology to achieve outstanding results with bone grafting. Contact us today at (212) 580-4520 or book your appointment online to schedule a consultation. We offer free fluoride treatments during cleanings and use our advanced technology to provide you with the best possible care.