Bone grafting for dental implants: when is it needed?
Originally published
A dental implant needs enough suitable bone to support it. If there is too little bone at the planned site, your dentist may recommend a bone graft. This adds a surgical stage to treatment, so it is worth understanding why it is proposed and what the alternatives are.
Why might there be too little bone?
The jawbone can change after a tooth is lost. Gum disease, infection or an injury can also affect the amount of bone available. How long a tooth has been missing is only part of the picture: an examination and appropriate imaging are needed to assess the site.
Not everyone considering an implant needs a graft. Your dentist should explain whether grafting is suitable for you and discuss alternatives, including other ways to replace a tooth. A graft is a possible part of an implant plan, not an obligation to go ahead with implants.
What does a bone graft involve?
The dentist places graft material in the area where more bone is needed. Depending on the procedure, this may involve your own bone or a substitute material. A membrane may be used to protect the area while it heals. Ask what the proposed materials are made from, including whether they have an animal or human origin, so that you can discuss any concerns before consenting.
Smaller procedures are often carried out under local anaesthetic. More extensive grafting can require a different approach. Your team should explain the anaesthetic and what to expect; tell them if you feel pain during treatment.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ provides an overview of bone grafting, materials and risks.
Healing and implant timing
In some cases, a graft and implant can be placed at the same appointment. In others, the graft needs to heal first. This can take several months, and the dentist must check healing before deciding on the next stage. There is no single waiting period that applies to every patient.
Swelling, bruising and discomfort can occur after surgery. Follow the instructions you receive about cleaning, food, activity and medicines, and attend the planned reviews. Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of failure.
A graft can become infected or fail to provide enough bone. Further treatment may be needed, and neither the graft nor the later implant is guaranteed to succeed. Contact your treating team if pain or swelling worsens, you develop a fever or you are concerned about the wound. Cambridge University Hospitals explains bone grafting and its possible complications.
Planning the full treatment
Ask for a written plan covering the graft, materials, implant and restoration, with costs and likely appointments set out separately. See our implant fees and current finance information, or contact the practice for an assessment.