Rebuild your jaw with your own bone
For larger areas of bone loss, bone taken from your own body can help rebuild the jaw and create a stable base for implants or other teeth.
Autogenous bone grafting means using bone from your own body to repair an area of the jaw that has lost bone. The word "autogenous" simply means "from yourself." The bone is usually taken from another spot inside the mouth, such as the chin area or the back of the lower jaw. Because it is your own living bone, it contains cells that help new bone grow, and your body accepts it naturally.
This type of graft is often chosen for more complex cases. Bone loss can happen after a tooth has been missing for a long time, after an injury, after severe gum disease, or after an infection. When a large amount of bone is missing, a simple graft may not be enough. Your own bone can help rebuild both the height and width of the jaw, so a dental implant or other restoration has the support it needs.
At Progressive Dental Office in Hialeah, Dr. Jonathan Guzman and Dr. Jovanny Guzman take time to study your X-rays and your goals before suggesting this approach. We compare it with other graft options and explain the pros and cons in plain language. If your case needs a larger graft from outside the mouth, we will talk with you about working with a specialist so you get the right care.
Is autogenous grafting right for you?
- You have a large area of bone loss in the upper or lower jaw
- A tooth has been missing for many years and the ridge is very thin
- An injury or accident damaged part of your jawbone
- A previous graft or implant did not succeed and the area needs rebuilding
- Severe gum disease or infection left a deep defect in the bone
- You want implants but were told your bone needs major reconstruction
How it works, step by step.
Detailed evaluation
We examine your mouth, take X-rays, and review your health history. Then we talk about whether your own bone is the best graft choice.
Planning together
We explain where the bone will come from, how it will be placed, the expected healing time, and the cost before we start.
Graft surgery
With the areas numbed, a small piece of bone is gently taken from the donor site and secured where it is needed. Both areas are then closed so they can heal.
Healing and follow-up
Over several months, the graft typically joins with your jaw. We check your progress and plan your implant or restoration when the bone is ready.
Your comfort
Knowing that bone will be taken from one spot and placed in another can feel scary. We understand. Both areas are fully numbed, so most patients feel pressure and movement but not sharp pain. We'll explain your numbing and comfort options at your consultation and answer every question. Because there are two healing sites, you may feel more soreness than with other grafts, and we will give you a clear plan to manage it.
Healing & aftercare
Expect some swelling, bruising and soreness for several days, often peaking around day two or three. Rest, cold packs, soft foods and the medicine we recommend usually help a lot. Avoid smoking, hard foods and pressure on the graft area while it heals. The donor site typically heals within a few weeks. The graft itself usually needs several months to fully join with your jaw before an implant can be placed.
Cost, insurance & financing
The cost depends on how much bone is needed, where it comes from, whether other grafting materials are used, and how complex the repair is. Dental or medical insurance may cover part of the treatment in some cases, especially after an injury, so we are glad to help check your benefits. We accept CareCredit and can discuss financing options. We always give you the cost before we start.
Care led by Dr. Jonathan & Dr. Jovanny Guzman.
Twin brothers who treat every patient the way they'd treat their own family. You'll meet your dentist before any treatment begins.
“I had a great experience at this dental office. The twin dentists were incredibly friendly and welcoming, which immediately put me at ease. From the moment I walked in, the whole team made me feel comfortable and well taken care of.”
Common questions
An autogenous bone graft uses bone taken from your own body to rebuild an area of the jaw. In dentistry, the bone is usually taken from inside the mouth, such as the chin or the back of the lower jaw. Because it is your own living bone, your body recognizes it, and it contains cells that help new bone form.
Your own bone has living cells and natural growth factors that help new bone form. For large or complex defects, this can make it a strong choice. Donor and synthetic materials work very well in many cases and avoid a second surgery site. We will explain which option fits your situation and why we recommend it.
For most dental grafts, the bone comes from inside the mouth, often the chin area or the back of the lower jaw near the wisdom teeth. This keeps both sites in one area. For very large reconstructions, bone may need to come from another part of the body, which is usually done by a specialist. We will talk through this with you.
Recovery can be a bit more involved because there are two areas healing instead of one. Most patients have swelling and soreness for several days, which is often managed with cold packs, soft foods and the medicine we recommend. Most people return to normal routines within about a week. We will give you clear written instructions.
The graft typically needs about four to six months to join with your jawbone, and sometimes longer for larger repairs. We will see you for check-ups and take X-rays to confirm the bone is strong enough. Once it is ready, we can plan your implant placement and talk about your timeline.
Let's take care of your smile.
Book online in under a minute, or call and talk to a real person on our team. Se habla español.
Come see us in Hialeah.
Book online, call, or send us a message and we'll get right back to you.
Saturday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Request an appointment
Prefer to book instantly? Book appointment
Find us in Sedano's Plaza.
18600 NW 87th Ave #125
Hialeah, FL 33015
At NW 186th St & NW 87th Ave, minutes from Miami Lakes, Hialeah Gardens and Country Club. Parking right in the plaza.