Bone grafting for dental implants

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone that held it starts to shrink. Bone grafting rebuilds that bone so an implant has enough support, and helps keep your face and gums looking natural. We do all grafting here, often at the same visit as an extraction or implant.

Types of bone grafting we do

Socket preservation

Placing graft material into the socket right after a tooth is removed. It is the simplest way to prevent bone loss and often saves a larger graft later.

Ridge augmentation

Building up the width or height of the jaw where bone has already shrunk, so an implant can be placed in the right position.

Sinus lift

The upper back teeth sit just below the sinuses. When bone there is thin, we gently raise the sinus floor and add bone underneath it to make room for an implant.

Where the graft material comes from

Most grafts use processed, sterile bone from a tissue bank or a mineral substitute. Your body gradually replaces it with your own bone over a few months. We will explain the material we recommend and why.

Recovery

Expect some swelling for a few days, which peaks around day two or three. Most people return to work within a day or two. You'll avoid chewing on the area while it heals.

What to expect

1. ImagingX-rays or a 3D scan show how much bone you have and where.
2. GraftDone under local anesthetic, with sedation available.
3. HealingUsually 3 to 6 months before an implant, sometimes less if the implant goes in at the same time.

Questions we hear often

Do I always need a bone graft before an implant?

No. Many people have enough bone. Imaging at your consultation tells us for certain.

Is bone grafting painful?

It is done under local anesthetic. Afterward most patients describe soreness and swelling rather than sharp pain, managed with over-the-counter medicine.