Bone grafting

When a tooth has been missing or infected, the jaw often shrinks. A graft rebuilds bone so an implant has enough support.

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Overview

A bone graft is the placement of a material that will facilitate bone growth in an area where a future implant will be placed.

Not every site needs a graft, but Dr. Curtis reviews each individual circumstance to determine what the optimal treatment is.

Common graft types — in plain English

Socket or ridge graft: fills the space when a tooth comes out, or rebuilds a ridge that has already flattened
Block graft: a small piece of bone used when a larger defect needs more volume
Guided bone regeneration (GBR): graft material plus a membrane that holds the shape while you heal
Sinus lift: gently raises the sinus floor in the upper back jaw and places bone underneath

Graft material can come from your own body, from a tissue bank, or it can be synthetic. Dr. Curtis will name what he recommends and why.

Who it is for

Grafting is discussed when imaging shows there is not enough bone for an implant, or when an extraction site should be preserved for a future implant.

A missing tooth with a dip in the gum line
Upper molars with a low sinus floor
A thin lower ridge
A full-arch plan that needs more bone in one area

What to expect

A small socket graft can be done the same day as an extraction and the healing process is usually very similar.

A larger ridge graft or sinus lift typically is a longer procedure with a slightly longer recovery.

Gum healing takes place over the first 3 weeks and the bone graft heals under the surface for 3-6 months. After the graft is fully healed, a CBCT image is taken to determine graft consolidation and to plan for implant placement.

A longer explainer is at bone grafting before implants.

Recovery

Soreness is similar to an extraction. Swelling can be a bit more if the gum was released to cover the graft. A few small particles on the tongue are common. Do not rinse hard or poke the site.

If a membrane becomes exposed, call us. After a sinus lift, avoid forceful nose blowing for the period we give you.

This visit is also useful if you were told you need a graft — or told you do not, and you want another look.

Download post-operative instructions (PDF)

What patients have said

Two comments from the practice record, shown with first name and last initial.

“Let's face it, no one wants to undergo oral surgery, but if you find yourself in that situation, these are the people you want by your side.”

— Marcel M.

“By far the most friendly attentive medical facility I have ever experienced.”

— Rick F.

Questions patients ask

Is a bone graft always required for an implant?

No. Many sites have enough bone. Grafting is recommended when the implant would otherwise sit in thin or short bone, or too close to a nerve or sinus.

What is a sinus lift?

In the upper back jaw, the sinus can sit where an implant needs to go. A sinus lift raises that floor and places graft material underneath.

Where does the graft material come from?

Sometimes your own bone, sometimes processed donor bone, sometimes synthetic material. Dr. Curtis will specify which he recommends.

How long after a graft can I get the implant?

Often a few months. We confirm readiness rather than using a calendar alone.

Can grafting and implant placement happen together?

Sometimes, when the remaining bone can stabilize the implant. Other times the graft should heal first.