Do You Need a Bone Graft for a Dental Implant? Here’s What to Know

Reviewed by Dr. Kerri Font, DDS

Reading time: four minutes

A dental implant relies on a strong, healthy jawbone for support. When bone loss has occurred, a graft can help rebuild the foundation needed for long-term stability. Bone grafting is a routine procedure that restores strength to the jaw and prepares it to securely hold an implant.

In this article, we’ll outline why a bone graft may be recommended, the types of grafts available, what to expect during recovery, and how this step contributes to lasting implant success.

Table of Contents

Why Bone Grafting May Be Needed Before Implants

A dental implant needs a strong foundation to stay secure. If bone loss has occurred from gum disease, tooth loss, or injury, your jaw may not have enough density or height to support the implant post.

A bone graft helps to:

  • Rebuild lost bone where a tooth once was
  • Create stable support for the implant screw
  • Prevent facial collapse or sagging around missing teeth

By restoring bone structure, grafting ensures your implant heals properly and lasts for years to come.

Types of Bone Grafts Used in Implant Dentistry

Bone grafts can be made from various materials, each designed to restore strength and support implant placement. The best option is selected based on your individual treatment plan.

The most commonly used grafting materials include the following:

  • Autograft: Bone taken from your own body (often the jaw or hip). 
  • Allograft: Bone from a human donor, carefully processed and sterilized. 
  • Xenograft: Bone derived from an animal source (usually bovine). 
  • Alloplast: Synthetic bone made from biocompatible materials such as calcium phosphate. 

Each type offers excellent outcomes when placed by an experienced periodontist.

The Bone Grafting Procedure: What to Expect

If you’re planning for an implant, your bone graft may be performed during the same visit or as a separate procedure.

During the treatment:

  1. Local anesthesia is administered to keep the area completely numb and comfortable.
  2. A small opening is made in the gum tissue to access the bone beneath.
  3. The grafting material is placed in areas where bone is thin or missing.
  4. A protective membrane or small fixation device may be added to stabilize the graft and encourage healing.
  5. The gum tissue is repositioned and sutured closed.

Over the next several months, your body naturally replaces the graft material with new, living bone. Once the area is strong enough, your dental implant can be placed securely.

Recovery and Healing Time

Recovery after bone grafting is typically straightforward. Most patients notice only mild swelling or tenderness for the first few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and careful home care. The gum tissue closes and heals quickly, usually within one to two weeks.

Beneath the surface, the grafted bone develops more slowly. Over the next several months, your body forms new bone and integrates it with the graft material. This gradual process strengthens the area and prepares it to support a dental implant. 

Your periodontist will evaluate healing through follow-up visits and imaging before scheduling implant placement.

Strong Foundations for a Lasting Smile

A bone graft may seem like an extra step, but it’s an essential one. By rebuilding your jaw’s foundation, you’re setting your implant and your smile up for long-term success.

If you have been told you need a bone graft or are considering dental implants, our team can help. Contact Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Dental Implants for a personalized evaluation at one of our two Colorado offices:

FAQs

How painful is a bone graft?

Discomfort is typically minimal. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and dental sedation. Most patients describe mild soreness after the procedure, similar to having a tooth pulled.

Can a dental implant be done without a bone graft?

Yes, but only if your jawbone still has enough height and density. Your periodontist will take 3D scans to measure bone volume and determine if grafting is necessary.

How long after bone grafting can I get an implant?

In many cases, implants can be placed four to six months after grafting. Some smaller grafts may allow for same-day placement, depending on stability.

Are bone grafts safe?

Donor and synthetic graft materials are thoroughly sterilized and tested for safety. Your body gradually replaces the material with its own bone over time.

What happens if I skip a bone graft?

Without adequate bone support, implants can fail to integrate properly or become loose over time. A graft ensures the long-term success and stability of your restoration.

Categories: Periodontics