Find out what dental bone grafting is, why it may be needed before implant treatment, what the procedure involves, and what the healing process looks like.
Dental bone grafting is a surgical procedure that adds volume or density to areas of the jaw where bone has been lost. When a tooth is extracted, the surrounding bone gradually shrinks over time. Bone grafting is most commonly needed to provide enough bone to support a dental implant.
Graft material can come from different sources: your own bone (autograft), a processed donor bank (allograft), animal-derived mineral (xenograft), or synthetic material. Your dentist will explain which type is recommended and why.
Why might I need a bone graft?
Bone grafting may be recommended if:
You have lost bone at a tooth extraction site and wish to have an implant placed there
Gum disease has caused significant bone loss around teeth
The bone at the planned implant site is too narrow, shallow, or thin to safely support an implant without grafting first
An extraction is being carried out and a graft is placed immediately to preserve the socket (socket preservation)
What does the procedure involve?
Bone grafting is a minor surgical procedure carried out under local anaesthetic:
The area is numbed thoroughly
A small incision is made in the gum to access the bone
The graft material is placed and shaped to fill the defect
In many cases, a collagen membrane is placed over the graft to protect it during healing
The gum is carefully sutured closed
Healing of a bone graft takes several months. Typically, implant placement is delayed for 3–6 months after grafting to allow adequate bone formation.
Risks and possible complications
Common:
Swelling, bruising, and soreness for 5–10 days after surgery
Some bleeding initially
Uncommon:
Infection at the graft site — may require antibiotics or, rarely, removal of the graft material
Partial resorption of the graft — the body may break down some of the graft material before new bone forms fully
Graft failure — in a small number of cases the graft does not integrate successfully. A second attempt may be possible.
Rare:
Exposure of the membrane through the gum before healing is complete
Nerve tingling or altered sensation in the area
Smoking significantly increases the risk of graft failure. Many clinicians advise patients who smoke to quit — or at minimum to stop for several weeks before and after the procedure.
After your bone graft
Take all prescribed medications as directed
Apply a cold pack to your cheek in the first few hours to reduce swelling
Eat soft foods and avoid pressure on the grafted area
Do not probe the area with your tongue or fingers
Attend your review appointment so your surgeon can check the healing
Avoid smoking for as long as possible — ideally completely
A further scan or X-ray will be taken after the healing period to check the new bone before implant placement is planned
Questions to ask your dentist
What type of graft material will you use, and why?
How long will I need to wait before the implant can be placed?
What is the success rate for bone grafting in my situation?
How will we know if the graft has worked before proceeding with the implant?
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. It is intended to support — not replace — the discussion with your dentist about your individual options, risks, and treatment plan. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances. Your dentist will confirm exact fees and what is suitable for your specific circumstances before you agree to any treatment.
When to Seek Urgent Help
If you experience significant swelling spreading to the neck, difficulty swallowing, or a high fever after bone grafting, go to A&E immediately or call 999.
References
Aligned with guidance from: FGDP(UK), ITI (International Team for Implantology), SDCEP.