Bone Regeneration Supporting Long-Term Implant Success

What Is Bone Regeneration in Dentistry?

Bone regeneration is a surgical technique used to rebuild or preserve jawbones that have been lost or where additional support is needed for restorative treatment. It is often referred to in conjunction with bone grafting, though the two terms describe slightly different aspects of the process.

Bone regeneration aims to encourage the body’s natural healing response to form new bone in areas that have diminished due to tooth loss, gum disease, trauma, or long-term denture use. This new bone growth provides critical support for dental implants, ensuring they integrate securely with the jaw.

Why Bone Loss Happens After Tooth Loss

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone no longer receives the stimulation it once did from chewing forces transmitted through the tooth root. This lack of stimulation causes the body to begin reabsorbing the bone in that area, known as bone resorption.

Without intervention, this loss continues over time and can lead to:

• Shrinking of the jaw ridge
• Changes in facial appearance (such as sagging or hollow cheeks)
• Poor fit for dentures or restorations
• Insufficient support for dental implants

Bone regeneration halts or reverses this loss by restoring volume and structure to the affected area.

How Bone Regeneration Supports Implant Success

Dental implants rely on strong, healthy bone for stability. The implant post functions as an artificial tooth root, and its success depends on the surrounding bone fusing with it—a process called osseointegration.

When bone is insufficient, implant placement becomes more difficult or impossible without first rebuilding the area. Bone regeneration ensures that:

• The implant has adequate volume for secure placement
• There is minimal risk of implant failure
• Long-term function and aesthetics are preserved

At PermaDent, bone regeneration is not an afterthought but an integrated part of our comprehensive treatment planning for each patient receiving implants.

Common Bone Regeneration Techniques

Patients require different approaches depending on their level of bone loss, location in the mouth, and overall oral health. Here are some common methods we use:

Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR)

Guided Bone Regeneration involves placing a biocompatible membrane and bone material in the area where regeneration is needed. This method protects the area while the body forms new bone over time.

The membrane ensures that soft tissue doesn’t grow into the area reserved for bone regeneration. The process is methodical, predictable, and often used in preparation for future implant placement.

Socket Preservation After Extraction

When a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone can quickly begin to shrink. Socket preservation is performed immediately after extraction to fill and protect the space where the root once was.

Preserving the socket minimizes future bone loss, helping maintain the jaw’s natural contours and keeping options open for future restorations.

Sinus Augmentation for Upper Back Jaw

In cases where implants are planned for the upper molar region and the natural bone is thin due to proximity to the sinus cavity, a sinus lift or sinus augmentation may be needed.

This technique carefully raises the sinus membrane and places regenerative material beneath it. Over time, new bone forms in this area, creating the vertical support needed for a stable implant.

Who Might Need Bone Regeneration?

Bone regeneration is often recommended for patients who:

• Have been missing teeth for an extended period
• Were told they do not have enough bone for implants
• Have significant periodontal disease
• Are experiencing changes in facial structure due to bone loss

During your consultation at PermaDent, we will assess your bone volume using advanced imaging to determine if bone regeneration is necessary before implant placement.

What to Expect During Bone Regeneration Treatment

Bone regeneration procedures are typically performed in our Torrance office under local anesthesia or sedation, depending on your comfort level. The process involves placing regenerative materials (either natural or synthetic) into the targeted area of bone loss.

A protective barrier or membrane is often used to guide the growth process. Healing time varies depending on the size and location of the regeneration site, but frequently ranges from three to six months.

Once the area has fully healed and adequate bone has developed, your implant can be safely and securely placed.

The PermaDent Approach to Bone Regeneration

At PermaDent, we believe proper bone health is the foundation of every successful implant case. Our team of experts combines decades of experience with advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate bone structure and design a customized regeneration plan for each patient.

We approach bone regeneration as part of a long-term solution, not just a preparatory step. Whether you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for implants due to bone loss or you’re looking to restore a healthier smile, our regenerative strategies are designed to rebuild confidence and oral function.

Final Thoughts: Building a Strong Foundation for Your Future Smile

Bone regeneration plays a critical role in implant dentistry, especially for patients who have experienced bone loss. By rebuilding the jaw’s natural architecture, we create the conditions needed for implants to succeed and for smiles to last.

If you’ve lost teeth or have been told you’re not a candidate for dental implants due to bone loss, you may still have options. Bone regeneration can give you a second chance at the permanent solution you deserve. Visit our website to learn more about how bone regeneration can support your long-term dental goals. If you’re ready to schedule your consultation, call our office at (310) 325-9969.