Bone Grafting
Last updated: 3rd December 2022
Written by Dr Zaeem Jafri
It may sound daunting if you've been told you need a bone graft. But there's no need to worry!
Bone grafting is a routine procedure that helps restore the volume of your jaw bone to increase the success of dental implants and dentures. We'll explain what bone grafting is and why it might be recommended. We'll also give you helpful tips on what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
What is a bone graft, and why might you need it?
Bone grafting is a minor surgical procedure performed to increase the volume of your jaw bone. It is often done when you are planning to have dental implants in an area where your jaw bone is either too thin or low.
The main causes of bone loss in the jaw are tooth extractions and gum disease. When a tooth is extracted, your body recycles the surrounding bone as it is no longer needed, and your jaw bone shrinks. This can make placing an implant in the area more difficult.
Bone grafts are also sometimes done before making dentures to help them stay in place.
Different types of bone graft
There are three main types of bone grafts used in dentistry.
Minor bone grafting
Minor bone grafting (alloplastic in particular) is most commonly used due to its ease and convenience, carried out in the dental chair.
Alloplast - Synthetic bone replacements that fill the area and encourage your body’s bone to grow into the space.
Xenograft - Works in the same way as an alloplastic graft but uses animal bone (bovine or porcine).
Autograft - Taking bone from another part of your body (usually from another part of your jaw or palate) and placing it in the required site.
Major bone grafting
Major bone grafting is done when much larger pieces of bone are required, so an autograft is taken from elsewhere in your body, such as your hip or leg. This is carried out in an operating theatre and is usually only needed for severe bone defects left after facial trauma or cancer surgery.
Sinus lifts
A sinus lift is sometimes done when replacing the upper molar teeth. Your upper jaw bone has a sinus (an air space), and the floor of that sinus can drop when an upper molar tooth has been extracted, and the bone around it has been resorbed.
Your dentist will add some bone underneath the sinus floor to lift it back to its original position and create the space to place the implant.
How much does bone grafting cost?
Depending on the specific needs and unique circumstances of each patient, the cost of bone grafting may vary significantly, but as a general guide, you can expect to pay the following:
£450-£900 for minor bone grafting
£500-£1500 for bone grafting and sinus lifts
Major bone grafting is rarely used in routine dental work and is carried out in hospitals.
Some dentists may include bone grafting/sinus lift procedures in the prices of their implant treatment.
What is the process of bone grafting?
Bone grafting is often done in the dental chair, and for you, the procedure is similar to having a tooth extraction.
Your dentist will give you a local anaesthetic to make sure the area is numb (you can also request sedation if you think that will make the process more comfortable for you)
They will then extract any teeth that require removing
They will expose the jaw bone by cutting the gum and gently peeling it away from the bone underneath
They will clear away any residual infected tissue and make sure the area is clean
The bone graft will then be placed and covered with a resorbable membrane to hold it in position, and this membrane is sometimes tacked in place with small tacks like mini nails pressed into your jawbone.
The dentist will then replace your gum over the area and close the surgical site with some stitches.
Most stitches dissolve on their own, but some dentists may prefer to see you a week later to remove them.
3 months later, your body’s bone will have grown and fused with the grafting material to create a strong, stable foundation for an implant.
Bone grafting aftercare
The aftercare following a bone grafting procedure is similar to when you have a tooth removed. you must follow your dentist’s instructions. They will tell you precisely what you can and can’t do and if you’re not sure, then ask them.
Make sure you rest for the rest of the day to stop the area from bleeding heavily
Keep the area clean, using salt water rinses and good brushing (once you can)
Don’t put pressure on the area with your tongue
Avoid chewing tough foods in the area
Take some painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines if needed
Use an ice pack to calm any post-treatment swelling
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for the first 48 hours after your treatment
If you have a denture, ask your dentist when you should start wearing it again; the advice changes depending on the type of bone graft you have had placed
You shouldn’t need to take any time off work following a bone graft, however, do expect some mild tenderness and swelling for the first three days after treatment. Plan accordingly.
Side effects of bone grafting
Bone grafting is an incredibly routine and safe treatment; however, there are rare side effects that you should be aware of. Most of these are mild effects of having any surgical procedure done (like an extraction) rather than the bone graft itself.
Pain (usually mild for the first day or two)
Swelling (usually mild for the first day or two)
Bleeding/bruising
Infection of the surgical area
Injury to a nearby nerve (resulting in numbness and altered feeling)
Infection from the bone (very rare)
Your body rejects the bone (where it doesn’t fuse with your jaw bone)
Your dentist will be well-equipped to manage any complications from bone grafting.
live video of bone grafting
Below is a live video of teeth being removed and a bone graft being placed.
Caution: Surgical video includes blood.
Chat with our dentists about bone grafts
If you’ve got more questions about bone grafting, you can chat with one of our dentists online for free.
We’ll be able to assess your teeth, give you more personalised information about what to expect from your treatment and refer you to the best practices near you.