Bone Graft

A bone graft adds volume and density to the jawbone where it is insufficient to support an implant. It is one of the most common adjunctive procedures in implant dentistry.

Why bone is lost

When a tooth is extracted or lost, the bone surrounding the root begins to resorb. This starts within weeks and continues over years. The longer a tooth has been missing, the more bone is typically lost. Gum disease (periodontitis) also causes bone loss around existing teeth.

Types of graft material

• Autograft: Your own bone — gold standard but requires a second surgical site
• Allograft: Processed human donor bone from a regulated bone bank
• Xenograft: Processed bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) bone mineral — most commonly used
• Alloplast: Synthetic materials such as hydroxyapatite or beta-tricalcium phosphate

GBR (Guided Bone Regeneration)

Most bone grafts are covered with a membrane (GBR) to protect the graft site and prevent soft tissue from invading before bone can form. The membrane may be resorbable (dissolves on its own) or non-resorbable (removed at a later procedure).

Healing time

Most grafts require 3–6 months of healing before implants can be placed. Minor grafts combined with implant placement may add little to the overall timeline.