What Is a Bone Graft for a Dental Implant?

So, what is a bone graft, and why might it be required before dental implant surgery? At Montana Center for Implants and Dentures, we perform bone grafting procedures when needed to ensure long-term implant success. This article explains what a bone graft does, how it works, who needs it, and what to consider before undergoing the procedure.

What Is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a surgical procedure that adds or restores bone volume in areas of the jaw where bone has been lost. It involves placing bone material—either from your own body, a donor source, or synthetic alternatives—into the site that needs strengthening.

In the context of dental implants, bone grafts are used to create a stable foundation for implant placement. Implants rely on integration with healthy bone to remain secure and functional. Without enough bone volume or density, an implant may fail to fuse, shift, or become loose over time.

Why Is Bone Lost After Tooth Loss?

When a natural tooth is lost or extracted, the surrounding jawbone begins to resorb, or shrink. The reason is simple: the bone no longer receives the daily pressure and stimulation that comes from chewing forces transmitted through the tooth root.

According to the Journal of Periodontology, as much as 25% of bone width is lost within the first year after tooth loss, and up to 40–60% of volume may be lost within three years if the site is not restored ¹.

Other factors contributing to bone loss include:

• Periodontal disease
• Infection or abscess
• Long-term denture use without implants
• Trauma to the jaw
• Developmental conditions

Types of Bone Grafts Used in Implant Dentistry

There are several types of bone grafts, each suited to different clinical scenarios:

1. Autograft

Bone taken from the patient’s own body (typically the chin, jaw, hip, or tibia).

• Advantages: Contains living bone cells; highest potential for integration
• Considerations: Requires a second surgical site

2. Allograft

Bone sourced from a human donor (cadaver bone processed and sterilized).

• Advantages: No second surgical site; well-documented safety
• Considerations: Slightly slower integration compared to autografts

3. Xenograft

Bone material derived from animals, usually bovine (cow) origin.

• Advantages: Abundant and structurally similar to human bone
• Considerations: Resorbs more slowly, often used in combination with other materials

4. Alloplast

Synthetic bone made from biocompatible materials like hydroxyapatite or calcium phosphate.

• Advantages: No risk of disease transmission
• Considerations: Varies in effectiveness depending on the defect

At Montana Center for Implants and Dentures, we evaluate each patient’s needs and medical history to choose the best grafting material for optimal healing and implant success.

When Is a Bone Graft Necessary?

A bone graft is typically recommended in the following cases:

• Insufficient bone height or width at the planned implant site
• Long-term edentulism (toothlessness) leading to significant bone atrophy
• Failed or infected previous implants
• Tooth extraction with immediate grafting to preserve ridge contour
• Sinus lift procedures for upper molar implant placement

Imaging and Diagnosis

A 3D cone beam CT (CBCT) scan is used to precisely measure bone volume and quality. The decision to graft is based on the data—not guesswork. For example, dental implants require at least 6 mm of width and 10 mm of height in most cases for proper support ².

The Bone Grafting Procedure: Step by Step

1. Initial Consultation

• Clinical examination and imaging
• Review of medical history
• Discussion of graft material options

2. Surgical Placement

• Local anesthesia or sedation is used
• The gum is opened to expose the jawbone
• The bone graft material is placed and secured
• A membrane may be added to protect the site
• The gum tissue is sutured over the graft

3. Healing Phase (3–6 Months)

• During this time, the graft integrates with the existing bone
• New bone growth is stimulated
• No pressure should be applied to the area (e.g., no chewing directly over the site)

4. Implant Placement

• Once integration is confirmed, the dental implant can be placed into the strengthened bone

In some cases—particularly with minor defects—bone grafting and implant placement may be done at the same time, reducing overall treatment time.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from bone grafting is generally straightforward. Patients can expect:

• Mild swelling and discomfort for 3–5 days
• Use of prescribed antibiotics and pain relievers
• Soft diet for one to two weeks
• No smoking (as it interferes with healing)
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress

Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two, though strenuous physical activity should be avoided for a few days post-surgery.

Risks and Complications

Bone grafting is safe and widely practiced, but like any surgical procedure, it carries some risk. Potential complications include:

• Infection
• Rejection of graft material
• Sinus complications (in upper jaw grafts)
• Incomplete integration requiring revision

At Montana Center for Implants and Dentures, we mitigate these risks through detailed planning, sterile technique, and patient-specific treatment protocols.

Success Rates and Long-Term Outlook

Bone grafting is highly effective when performed under appropriate conditions.

• Success rates for bone grafts prior to implant placement are reported at 90–95%, especially when patients follow post-operative instructions and maintain good oral hygiene ³.
• Once the implant is placed, long-term success rates exceed 95% over 10 years, assuming adequate bone support ⁴.

What to Look for When Considering a Bone Graft

If you’re exploring dental implant treatment and may require a bone graft, here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Experience of the Provider

Bone grafting requires surgical precision and deep knowledge of jaw anatomy. Choose a provider with focused training in implantology and bone regeneration techniques.

At Montana Center for Implants and Dentures, Dr. Josh Muir and Dr. Tanner Townsend use advanced imaging, guided surgery, and biomaterial science to plan each graft with precision.

2. Material Options

Ask about the types of grafting materials used, and whether synthetic or donor-based options are available based on your preferences.

3. Technology Integration

Look for practices that use CBCT scans and digital surgical planning—this minimizes guesswork and maximizes safety and success.

4. Clear Expectations

Bone grafting adds time to the treatment process. Make sure your provider gives you a realistic timeline and outlines costs up front.

5. Comprehensive Care

Practices that offer both grafting and implant placement under one roof streamline your care and reduce the chance of miscommunication between specialists.

Final Thoughts

So, what is a bone graft in the context of dental implant treatment? It’s a foundational step that rebuilds lost bone, restores jaw stability, and increases the long-term success of implants. Whether caused by years of denture wear, gum disease, or trauma, bone loss doesn’t have to disqualify you from the benefits of modern implant dentistry.

At Montana Center for Implants and Dentures, we believe every patient deserves access to high-quality, long-lasting tooth replacement options. Our team works closely with you to evaluate your needs, recommend personalized treatments, and ensure every step—from grafting to final restoration—is handled with care and expertise.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Contact Montana Center for Implants and Dentures today to schedule a consultation and learn if a bone graft can help you qualify for dental implants. We’ll walk you through your options with clear communication and clinical transparency.

Footnotes

1. Araujo, M.G., Lindhe, J. “Dimensional ridge alterations following tooth extraction.” Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2005. ↩
2. Misch, C.E. Contemporary Implant Dentistry, 3rd Edition. Mosby, 2008. ↩
3. Chiapasco, M., Casentini, P., Zaniboni, M. “Bone augmentation procedures in implant dentistry.” International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 2009. ↩
4. Buser, D., et al. “Long-term stability of osseointegrated implants in augmented bone.” Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2013. ↩