Bone Grafting
Rebuilding what’s been lost
Bone grafting is a minor, in-office procedure that corrects bone deficiencies and rebuilds the foundation beneath a tooth — or where a future implant needs to go.
Graft material is placed at the site that needs it, then given time to integrate with your own bone. It’s most often paired with another treatment — ahead of a dental implant, alongside surgery for advanced gum disease, or after a tooth extraction to preserve the socket for what comes next.
When bone grafting is recommended
It’s rarely the only treatment on its own — usually it’s what makes another treatment possible.
- Bone has been lost to periodontal disease around one or more teeth
- You’re planning a dental implant and don’t have enough bone to support it yet
- A tooth was extracted and the socket needs to be preserved for future treatment
- A sinus lift is needed before an upper-jaw implant
Two common reasons for grafting
Different starting points, same goal: a stable foundation.
If there isn’t enough bone to support an implant, grafting builds up the site first, so the implant has something solid to fuse with.
Bone lost to gum disease can be rebuilt around an existing tooth, restoring the support it needs to stay put for the long term.
Frequently asked questions
Is bone grafting painful?
It’s a minor in-office procedure done under local anaesthetic — most patients have some soreness for a few days, similar to a tooth extraction.
How long does it take for a bone graft to heal?
Healing time varies with the size of the graft, but it generally takes a few months for the graft to fully integrate before further treatment, like an implant, moves forward.
Will I need bone grafting before my implant?
Only if imaging shows there isn’t enough bone at the site to support it — we’ll know before we start.
What is graft material made of?
Several options exist, including your own bone, donor bone, or a synthetic substitute — we’ll recommend what fits your case.
Been told you need bone grafting?
Ask your dentist for a referral, and we’ll explain exactly what your case needs and why.
