Bone Grafting & Sinus Lift Hillsboro OR | East Wind Dental Care
When tooth loss, periodontal disease, or long-term denture wear has compromised your jawbone, dental implants may seem impossible. However, advanced bone grafting and sinus lift procedures at East Wind Dental Care can rebuild your jawbone foundation, making successful dental implant placement achievable even when bone loss appeared to eliminate that option.
Dr. Merat Ostovar provides sophisticated bone augmentation procedures at our Hillsboro, Oregon practice, using 3D imaging and precision techniques to restore the bone structure necessary for stable, long-lasting dental implants. Located at 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124, we serve patients from Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha, Tanasbourne, and Orenco Station who need bone grafting to support successful implant treatment. Call (503) 614-0198 to schedule your consultation.
Understanding Bone Loss and Why It Matters
Your jawbone is living tissue that requires stimulation to maintain its density and volume. When natural tooth roots are present, the forces of chewing and biting transmit through the roots into the surrounding bone, providing the stimulation needed to maintain bone mass. When teeth are lost, this stimulation disappears, and the bone begins to resorb or shrink.
This process is gradual but relentless. In the first year after tooth loss, approximately 25% of bone width can be lost. Over time, this bone loss continues, potentially causing significant changes to facial structure and making tooth replacement increasingly challenging.
Several factors contribute to jawbone deterioration:
Tooth Loss: Whether from decay, trauma, or periodontal disease, missing teeth lead to bone resorption in the affected area.
Periodontal Disease: Advanced gum disease destroys the bone supporting teeth, often resulting in tooth loss and significant bone deficiency.
Trauma or Injury: Facial injuries can damage or destroy portions of the jawbone.
Long-Term Denture Wear: Traditional dentures rest on the gums and don’t stimulate underlying bone. Over years of denture wear, the jawbone continues to shrink, eventually causing dentures to fit poorly.
Developmental Defects: Some people have congenital conditions that result in inadequate bone formation.
Sinus Pneumatization: In the upper jaw, the sinus cavities can expand downward into areas where bone has been lost, leaving insufficient bone height for implant placement.
Dental implants require adequate bone volume for stability and long-term success. When bone deficiency exists, augmentation procedures can rebuild the foundation necessary for implant placement.
What Is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that adds bone or bone-like material to areas where natural bone is deficient. The graft material serves as a scaffold that stimulates your body to generate new bone. Over several months, your natural bone grows into and around the graft material, creating a solid, integrated structure capable of supporting dental implants.
Bone grafting procedures range from relatively simple ridge augmentation to more complex reconstructive procedures, depending on the extent of bone loss and the planned implant treatment.
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Dr. Ostovar uses various graft materials, selecting the most appropriate option based on your specific situation:
Autograft (Your Own Bone): Bone harvested from elsewhere in your body – typically from another area of your jaw, chin, or in some cases, the hip. Autografts are considered the gold standard because they contain living bone cells and growth factors that promote new bone formation. However, they require a second surgical site for harvesting.
Allograft (Donor Bone): Processed bone from human donors, obtained through tissue banks. The bone is thoroughly sterilized and treated to remove all living cells, leaving only the mineral structure. Allografts eliminate the need for a second surgical site and are highly effective for most grafting applications.
Xenograft (Animal-Derived Bone): Usually derived from bovine (cow) sources, xenografts are processed to remove all organic material, leaving a mineral structure very similar to human bone. These materials are safe, effective, and widely used.
Alloplast (Synthetic Bone): Laboratory-created materials designed to mimic natural bone structure. Synthetic grafts eliminate concerns about using biological materials and are available in unlimited quantities.
Each material has advantages and specific applications. Dr. Ostovar will recommend the material best suited to your needs based on the grafting location, extent of bone needed, healing time considerations, and your preferences.
Common Bone Grafting Procedures
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When a tooth is extracted or lost, the surrounding bone often deteriorates, creating a narrow or shallow ridge. Ridge augmentation rebuilds this area, creating adequate width and height for implant placement.
Ridge augmentation can be performed at the time of tooth extraction (socket preservation) or months to years after tooth loss. When done at extraction, the graft material fills the socket, preventing the normal collapse of the ridge that occurs during healing.
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The upper jaw posterior region (where upper molars once were) presents unique challenges for implant placement. The maxillary sinuses – air-filled cavities above these teeth – often have thin bone floors. When upper molars are lost, the sinus cavity may expand downward while the jawbone resorbs from below, leaving insufficient bone height for implant placement.
A sinus lift procedure elevates the sinus membrane and places bone graft material in the space created, effectively raising the sinus floor and increasing bone height. After healing, there’s adequate vertical bone dimension for stable implant placement.
Dr. Ostovar performs two types of sinus lifts:
Lateral Window Sinus Lift: For cases requiring significant bone height increase, an access window is created in the side of the sinus, the membrane is gently elevated, and graft material is placed beneath it. This technique can add substantial bone height, even in severely deficient areas.
Crestal Approach Sinus Lift: When only modest height increase is needed, the sinus can be accessed through the implant site itself, avoiding the need for a lateral window. This less invasive approach works well when at least 5-6mm of existing bone is present.
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For areas with severe bone deficiency, block grafts provide substantial augmentation. A block of bone (usually harvested from your own jaw) is secured to the deficient area with small screws. Over time, the block integrates with your natural bone, creating a solid foundation. Block grafts are particularly useful for significant vertical or horizontal bone deficiencies.
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GBR uses barrier membranes along with bone graft material to direct new bone formation. The membrane prevents soft tissue from growing into the graft area, giving slower-growing bone cells time to regenerate. GBR is often used around dental implants to ensure adequate bone surrounds the entire implant surface.
The Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift Process
Understanding what to expect during bone grafting procedures helps reduce anxiety and ensures you’re prepared for treatment and recovery.
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Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Ostovar. He’ll review your medical and dental history, examine your mouth, and take diagnostic images – typically including 3D cone beam CT scans that provide detailed three-dimensional views of your bone structure.
These advanced images allow Dr. Ostovar to precisely measure existing bone dimensions, evaluate bone quality, assess sinus anatomy, and plan the grafting procedure with exceptional accuracy. Using specialized software, he can virtually plan the graft and implant placement before surgery begins.
During consultation, you’ll discuss:
- The extent of bone loss and why grafting is necessary
- The type of grafting procedure recommended
- Graft material options
- The timeline from grafting to implant placement
- Expected healing and recovery
- Costs and insurance coverage
- Anesthesia and sedation options
Dr. Ostovar encourages questions and ensures you fully understand the procedure before moving forward.
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Bone grafting and sinus lift procedures are performed in our comfortable Hillsboro office using local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. For anxious patients or those undergoing extensive grafting, we offer sedation options to enhance comfort.
The specific steps vary depending on the procedure type, but generally include:
1. Anesthesia: The treatment area is thoroughly numbed. If sedation is used, you’ll be given medication to help you relax.
2. Accessing the Graft Site: Dr. Ostovar makes a small incision in the gum tissue and gently reflects it to expose the underlying bone.
3. Preparing the Site: The bone surface is prepared to receive the graft material, ensuring optimal integration.
4. Placing the Graft: Bone graft material is carefully placed and shaped to achieve the desired augmentation. For sinus lifts, the sinus membrane is gently elevated before graft placement.
5. Covering the Graft: A protective membrane may be placed over the graft to enhance bone regeneration and protect the area during healing.
6. Closing the Incision: The gum tissue is carefully repositioned and sutured closed over the graft site.
Most bone grafting procedures take one to two hours, depending on complexity and the number of sites being grafted.
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After surgery, you’ll receive detailed post-operative instructions. Following these guidelines carefully promotes proper healing and optimal results.
Immediate Post-Operative Period (First Few Days):
- Some swelling and discomfort are normal and can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications
- Ice packs help minimize swelling during the first 24-48 hours
- Stick to soft foods and avoid the surgical area when chewing
- Avoid disturbing the surgical site – no poking, prodding, or vigorous rinsing
- Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling
First Two Weeks:
- Swelling and discomfort gradually decrease
- Stick to soft foods and avoid anything hard or crunchy
- Gentle oral hygiene is important, but avoid brushing or flossing the surgical site
- Avoid strenuous activity that could increase blood pressure and cause bleeding
- Don’t smoke – tobacco use dramatically impairs healing
Months 2-6:
- The graft material integrates with your natural bone
- You can gradually return to normal diet and activities as healing progresses
- Periodic checkups allow Dr. Ostovar to monitor healing
Complete Integration (3-6 Months):
- New bone is fully mature and ready to support dental implants
- Dr. Ostovar will take new images to confirm adequate bone regeneration
- Implant placement can be scheduled
The healing timeline varies based on graft extent, material used, and individual healing capacity. Simpler grafts may be ready for implant placement in three months, while extensive augmentation may require six months or longer.
Success Rates and Long-Term Outcomes
Modern bone grafting procedures have excellent success rates, typically exceeding 90%. Success depends on several factors:
Graft Material and Technique: Advanced materials and surgical techniques contribute to high success rates.
Patient Health: Overall health, nutrition, and habits like smoking significantly impact healing. Healthy non-smokers have the best outcomes.
Proper Healing Time: Allowing adequate healing before implant placement is crucial. Rushing the process increases failure risk.
Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene during and after healing supports successful integration.
Following Post-Operative Instructions: Patients who carefully follow post-operative guidelines experience fewer complications and better results.
When bone grafting succeeds, it creates a solid foundation for dental implants that can last a lifetime. Even patients with severe bone loss can often achieve successful implant treatment through appropriate grafting procedures.
Bone Grafting for Implant Success
The primary purpose of bone grafting in dentistry is creating adequate bone volume for dental implant placement and long-term stability. Dental implants are titanium posts that replace tooth roots, and they require sufficient bone in all dimensions – height, width, and quality – to achieve primary stability and long-term success.
Research consistently shows that implants placed in grafted bone perform as well as those placed in native bone when proper techniques are used and adequate healing time is allowed. Bone grafting transforms “impossible” cases into successful outcomes, allowing patients who couldn’t previously receive implants to benefit from this superior tooth replacement option.
Beyond supporting implants, bone grafting provides additional benefits:
Preserving Facial Structure: Maintaining jawbone volume prevents the sunken, aged appearance that develops with progressive bone loss.
Improving Denture Fit: Even if implants aren’t planned, grafting can improve the ridge shape for better denture support and retention.
Preventing Further Bone Loss: Rebuilding bone helps prevent progressive deterioration in the grafted area.
Protecting Adjacent Teeth: Maintaining bone around neighboring teeth helps preserve their stability and health.
Advanced 3D Planning and Precision Placement
East Wind Dental Care utilizes advanced 3D cone beam CT imaging and computer-guided planning software to ensure precise, predictable outcomes. This technology allows Dr. Ostovar to:
- Accurately measure existing bone in three dimensions
- Identify critical anatomical structures like nerves and sinuses
- Plan the optimal graft configuration before surgery
- Virtually place implants to determine exact grafting requirements
- Create surgical guides for precise implant placement
This level of planning minimizes surgical time, reduces complications, and enhances outcomes. You benefit from less invasive procedures, faster recovery, and superior long-term results.
Cost Considerations and Insurance Coverage
The cost of bone grafting at East Wind Dental Care varies based on the procedure’s extent and complexity, typically ranging from $300 for simple socket preservation to $3,000 or more for extensive augmentation procedures. Sinus lift procedures typically cost between $1,500 and $3,000 per side.
Many dental insurance plans provide some coverage for bone grafting when it’s deemed medically necessary for implant placement. Coverage levels vary significantly, so our team will verify your specific benefits and provide detailed cost estimates before treatment begins.
For out-of-pocket expenses, we offer flexible payment options including:
- Payment plans through third-party financing companies
- In-house payment arrangements
- Multiple payment methods for your convenience
While bone grafting represents a significant investment, it makes dental implant treatment possible for patients who would otherwise be unable to receive this superior tooth replacement option. When you consider that successful implants can last a lifetime, the value becomes clear.
Who Needs Bone Grafting?
Dr. Ostovar may recommend bone grafting if you:
- Are missing one or more teeth and want dental implants but have insufficient bone
- Are about to have a tooth extracted and want to preserve bone for future implant placement
- Have periodontal disease that has caused bone loss
- Have worn dentures for many years and experienced significant bone resorption
- Have a congenital defect or developmental deficiency affecting jawbone structure
- Suffered trauma or injury that damaged or destroyed jawbone
- Had a tumor or cyst removed, leaving a bone defect
- Need to replace a failed implant in an area with bone loss
During your consultation, Dr. Ostovar will determine whether bone grafting is necessary and recommend the procedure most appropriate for your situation.
Why Choose East Wind Dental Care for Bone Grafting?
Patients throughout Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha, Tanasbourne, and Orenco Station trust East Wind Dental Care for bone grafting and implant dentistry:
Dr. Ostovar’s Advanced Training: Dr. Ostovar has extensive training in bone grafting procedures and dental implant placement, combining technical expertise with an artistic eye for optimal results.
State-of-the-Art Technology: Our 3D imaging and computer-guided planning ensure precision, safety, and superior outcomes.
Comprehensive Care: From initial consultation through final restoration, we provide coordinated, comprehensive care, eliminating the need to visit multiple specialists.
Patient Comfort Focus: We offer multiple sedation options and prioritize your comfort throughout treatment.
Proven Results: Our track record of successful bone grafting and implant cases speaks to our skill and commitment to excellence.
Transparent Communication: We explain procedures clearly, answer all questions, and ensure you understand what to expect.
Personalized Treatment Planning: Every case is unique. We develop customized treatment plans based on your specific anatomy, goals, and circumstances.
Alternatives to Bone Grafting
In some cases, alternatives to traditional bone grafting may be available:
Short Implants: In areas with limited bone height, specially designed short implants may eliminate the need for grafting.
Zygomatic Implants: For severe upper jaw bone loss, implants can be anchored in the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) rather than the maxilla.
Removable Dentures: Traditional dentures don’t require bone grafting, though they provide less stability and comfort than implant-supported options.
Dental Bridges: For replacing individual teeth, bridges use adjacent teeth for support and don’t require bone grafting.
Dr. Ostovar will discuss all appropriate options during your consultation, helping you make an informed decision about the treatment that best meets your needs and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting and Sinus Lifts
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The procedure itself is performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Afterward, most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort for a few days, which is well-controlled with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Most people find the discomfort less than they anticipated.
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Healing time varies based on the graft’s size and location, the material used, and individual healing capacity. Most grafts require 3-6 months to integrate sufficiently for implant placement. Socket preservation grafts may be ready in 3-4 months, while extensive augmentation procedures may require 6-9 months.
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While success rates exceed 90%, failures occasionally occur, typically due to infection, inadequate blood supply, or physical disturbance of the graft during healing. Smoking dramatically increases failure risk. If a graft doesn’t integrate properly, it can usually be repeated after the area heals.
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Not always. Immediate implant placement at the time of extraction is sometimes possible if adequate bone remains. However, many cases benefit from grafting the extraction socket to preserve bone volume even when immediate implant placement is performed.
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If you have adequate natural bone in height, width, and quality, grafting may not be necessary. However, many patients who have been missing teeth for extended periods require at least minor grafting to ensure implant success.
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Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for bone grafting when it’s necessary for implant placement. Coverage varies widely, so we’ll verify your specific benefits and provide cost estimates before treatment.
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Research shows that implants placed in properly grafted bone perform as well as implants in native bone, with success rates typically exceeding 95% when proper protocols are followed.
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Stick to soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and soup for the first week. Gradually reintroduce more solid foods as healing progresses and discomfort decreases. Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods near the surgical site for several weeks.
Rebuild Your Foundation for a Lifetime Smile
Don’t let bone loss prevent you from experiencing the life-changing benefits of dental implants. With advanced bone grafting and sinus lift procedures, Dr. Ostovar can rebuild the foundation necessary for stable, long-lasting implant treatment.
Schedule your consultation at East Wind Dental Care today to learn whether bone grafting can make dental implants possible for you. Call our Hillsboro office at (503) 614-0198 or visit us at 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124. We welcome patients from throughout Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha, Tanasbourne, and Orenco Station.
Take the first step toward reclaiming your smile, your confidence, and your quality of life. Contact East Wind Dental Care today.