When teeth are lost due to decay, trauma, gum disease, or infection, the jawbone and surrounding tissues naturally begin to deteriorate. This loss can weaken the foundation needed for dental implants, affect facial appearance, and compromise long-term oral health. At Apex Oral Surgery in Tallahassee, Dr. Christian Jimenez specializes in advanced bone grafting and soft tissue grafting procedures that rebuild structure, restore stability, and create the ideal conditions for successful implant placement.
Using modern surgical techniques, biologic materials, and state-of-the-art 3D imaging, we offer grafting solutions that help patients regain the natural support their smiles deserve.
What Is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that restores or regenerates bone in areas where bone has been lost or weakened. This added bone structure provides a stable foundation for dental implants and strengthens the jaw for long-term health.
Common Causes of Bone Loss:
Tooth extraction or long-term tooth loss
Periodontal (gum) disease
Oral infections
Trauma or injury
Ill-fitting dentures
Natural bone atrophy over time
Without sufficient bone, implants may not bond properly—or may not be possible without grafting. Bone grafting helps reverse this process and rebuilds what was lost.
What Is Soft Tissue Grafting?
Soft tissue grafting restores or enhances gum tissue around the teeth or implant area. Healthy gum tissue is essential for:
Protecting tooth roots and implant surfaces
Preventing sensitivity
Maintaining aesthetics
Supporting long-term implant success
Soft tissue grafting can correct recession, rebuild thickness, or improve symmetry in the gumline.
Types of Bone Grafting Procedures We Offer
Apex Oral Surgery provides a comprehensive range of grafting techniques tailored to each patient’s needs.
1. Socket Preservation (Extraction Site Grafting)
When a tooth is removed, the empty socket begins to shrink almost immediately. Socket preservation places bone graft material into the extraction site to:
Maintain bone height and width
Prevent jawbone collapse
Protect surrounding teeth
Prepare the site for a future dental implant
2. Ridge Augmentation
When significant bone has been lost over time, ridge augmentation rebuilds the shape and volume of the jawbone. Benefits include:
Restoring proper bone width and height
Improving facial support and structure
Creating the necessary foundation for implants
Preventing further deterioration
3. Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation)
For upper back teeth, the sinus cavity may be too close to the jawbone for safe implant placement. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus floor and adds bone beneath it to create room for implants.A sinus lift is used when:
Bone height is insufficient
The sinus has naturally enlarged
Upper molars or premolars are missing
4. Major Bone Grafting / Reconstructive Grafting
For advanced cases of bone loss due to trauma, congenital defects, or severe infections, Dr. Jimenez performs reconstructive grafting to restore larger sections of the jawbone.These procedures are highly specialized and require the expertise of an oral surgeon trained in complex reconstruction.
Types of Soft Tissue Grafting
1. Gum Augmentation / Thickening Used to create stronger, thicker gum tissue around natural teeth or implants.
2. Root Coverage Grafting Ideal for exposed tooth roots or recession from gum disease.
3. Esthetic Tissue Grafting Improves the appearance of the gumline, especially in the smile zone.
Advanced Technology for Better Healing & Results
At Apex Oral Surgery, we use the latest tools and biologic materials to ensure the highest success rate for bone and soft tissue grafting.
3D Cone Beam CT Imaging
Provides a detailed view of your bone structure to plan graft placement with precision.
PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin)
A natural healing booster made from your own blood, PRF releases growth factors that:
Accelerate healing
Reduce swelling and discomfort
Improve graft success
Support bone and tissue regeneration
Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
Allows for gentler treatment, reduced trauma, and faster recovery.
Why Choose an Oral Surgeon for Grafting?
Bone and soft tissue grafting require surgical precision, advanced anatomical knowledge, and the ability to manage complex cases. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Jimenez has extensive residency training in:
Bone regeneration
Sinus lift techniques
Ridge reconstruction
Gum grafting
Implant surgical planning
Surgical anesthesia & IV sedation
General dentists often refer grafting cases to an oral surgeon because of the complexity involved—especially when bone quality, nerve location, sinus involvement, or implant planning must be coordinated with expertise.
What to Expect During the Procedure
1. Consultation & Imaging
We evaluate the area using 3D imaging and discuss the recommended grafting approach.
2. Sedation Options
Most grafting procedures can be comfortably performed with IV sedation or local anesthesia.
3. Grafting Procedure
Biologic materials or bone sources are placed where needed, shaped, and secured.
4. Healing Phase
Bone grafts typically integrate over several months. PRF significantly speeds healing and improves comfort.
5. Implant Placement (If Needed)
Once the bone has matured, implants can be placed securely for long-term success.
Schedule Your Bone & Soft Tissue Grafting Consultation in Tallahassee, FL
If you’ve experienced bone loss or gum recession, or if you’re preparing for dental implants, Apex Oral Surgery in Tallahassee offers advanced bone and soft tissue grafting to restore the strong, healthy foundation your smile deserves.
Call today or schedule your consultation online to take the first step toward rebuilding your confidence and oral health.
