Why Bone Grafting May Be Needed
Bone in the jaw can reduce over time in an area where a tooth has been missing for a while, since the bone that once supported the tooth root is no longer being used in the same way. Other factors, such as gum disease or the position of a tooth before it was lost, can also affect how much bone remains at a site. Bone grafting is used to build this back up where there isn't enough for an implant to be placed securely.
What Bone Grafting Generally Involves
Bone, or a bone-substitute material, is added to the area that needs building up. Depending on the case, this may be done before implant placement, allowing time for the graft to integrate first, or at the same time as the implant is placed. Which approach applies is a planning decision made after assessment, not something generalised here.
Bone Grafting Compared with a Sinus Lift
Bone grafting, as covered on this page, refers to building up bone generally, at sites across the jaw. A sinus lift is a specific type of bone-building procedure used only in the back of the upper jaw, where the sinus can limit the bone available. See Sinus Lift for that specific scenario.
Where Bone Grafting May Be Relevant
Bone grafting can be a relevant consideration across several types of implant treatment — a single tooth implant, multiple implants, or a full-arch approach such as All-on-4 or All-on-6 — depending on the bone available at each site involved. It isn't tied to one specific implant type; whichever treatment you're considering, your own assessment would establish whether grafting applies.
Assessment Considerations
An examination and imaging are used to assess the amount and quality of bone at the relevant site, which determines whether grafting is needed and, if so, what kind. Your general health is also part of this assessment.
What to Expect in General Terms
Bone grafting generally needs a period of healing and integration before it can reliably support an implant, though exact timing depends on the individual case and the type of graft used, and isn't stated in general terms here.
Considerations and Limitations
As with any procedure involving the jawbone, there are general considerations your dentist would discuss with you individually, including healing time and general surgical considerations. Not every graft integrates in exactly the same way, and outcomes vary between individuals.
Aftercare
General aftercare for bone grafting typically involves guidance on keeping the area clean and avoiding disturbing the graft site while it heals. Specific instructions would be given as part of your own treatment plan.
Related Options
For the upper-jaw-specific version of this procedure, see Sinus Lift. For the implant treatments bone grafting can relate to, see Single Tooth Implant, Multiple Dental Implants, Full Mouth Dental Implants, All-on-4 and All-on-6.
General information only — every treatment decision follows an individual clinical assessment.