Why do some patients need a bone graft?
A dental implant needs enough bone in height and width to stay stable and carry chewing forces for years. After a tooth is extracted, the bone in that spot gradually shrinks, fastest in the first months. So when planning an implant, the dentist may find there isn't enough bone and suggest a bone graft before or with the implant. This guide was written under the supervision of Dr. Banan Alhawamdeh, specialist in gum surgery and dental implants.
Causes of bone loss
- A long time since the tooth was extracted without replacing it.
- Advanced periodontitis, which dissolves the bone around teeth.
- A difficult extraction or chronic infection around the tooth before it was removed.
- In the upper back jaw: the sinus dropping over time after molars are lost.
Types of bone graft
| Type | When it's used |
|---|---|
| Socket preservation | Bone is placed in the socket right after extraction to limit shrinkage and make a later implant easier |
| Graft with the implant | When a little bone is missing around the implant, the graft is added as the implant is placed |
| Separate graft, then implant | When the deficit is large, bone is built first and the implant placed months later |
| Sinus lift | For upper molars when the bone height under the sinus isn't enough |
Usually a synthetic or medically processed bone material is used, sometimes the patient's own bone, normally covered with a membrane that protects it while it heals. The dentist chooses the material by the size and location of the deficit.
What is a sinus lift?
The maxillary sinus is an air space above the upper molars. When the bone between it and the mouth is thin, the dentist gently lifts the sinus lining and places bone underneath to make room for the implant. There are two approaches:
- Closed (internal) lift: through the implant site itself, when only a small lift is needed; the implant is often placed in the same visit.
- Open (lateral) lift: through a small window in the side of the bone, when a bigger lift is needed; the implant may be placed at the same time or later, depending on the case.
How long does the bone take to heal?
It depends on the type and size of the graft. A small graft with the implant adds little time, while a separate graft or an open sinus lift usually needs several months before the implant is placed or loaded. We set out the timeline in your treatment plan after the X-ray.
Does it hurt? Aftercare
It's done under local anaesthetic, and the days after are similar to implant surgery: temporary discomfort and swelling for a few days. After a sinus lift we ask you, on top of the usual instructions, to:
- Avoid blowing your nose hard for about two weeks.
- Sneeze with your mouth open to reduce pressure on the sinus.
- Avoid straws and smoking.
- Take medication and attend follow-ups as advised.
Frequently asked questions
Does every implant patient need a bone graft?
No. In many cases there's enough bone. We find out from the examination and X-ray before the implant.
Can bone loss after an extraction be prevented?
Replacing the tooth in good time, or preserving the socket with a graft at extraction, reduces bone loss and makes a later implant easier.
Does a bone graft add to the implant cost?
Yes, it's an extra procedure added only when needed, and it's shown in your treatment plan. See our treatment prices.
Implant consultation in Amman
If you've been told you don't have enough bone for an implant, it usually doesn't mean an implant is impossible. At Dr. Banan Alhawamdeh's clinic in Sweifieh we assess the bone and gums and explain your options. See dental implants or book an appointment.