Implants & Advanced
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting rebuilds lost jawbone to create a stable foundation for dental implants, enabling patients who were not previously implant candidates to qualify.
Overview
Understanding Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a procedure that rebuilds or augments bone that has been lost in the jaw due to tooth loss, gum disease, injury, or prolonged denture wear. The graft material, which may be synthetic, donor-sourced, or from another area of the body, acts as a scaffold that encourages the patient's own bone cells to fill the area.
Bone grafting is most commonly performed to prepare a patient for dental implants when insufficient bone exists to support an implant post. It can also be performed alongside extractions to preserve bone at the time of tooth removal.
Why It Matters
Benefits of Bone Grafting
Restores bone volume lost through tooth loss or disease
Creates a foundation for successful dental implant placement
Prevents further bone loss and changes to facial structure
Can be performed alongside extractions to minimize total treatment time
Uses biocompatible materials that integrate naturally
Enables implant candidacy for patients previously ruled out
Good to Know
Healing and what to expect
Bone grafting is a slow process by design. The graft material acts as a scaffold, and your own bone cells gradually grow into and replace it. That biology cannot be rushed, which is why implant placement waits until the graft has matured.
- Most patients are back to normal activity within a few days
- Mild discomfort and swelling for one to two weeks is expected
- Graft integration typically takes three to six months before an implant can be placed
- We confirm integration with imaging rather than by the calendar alone
- Smoking meaningfully reduces graft success, so it is worth pausing if you can
Related bone procedures
Where the upper back jaw lacks height because the sinus sits too low, a sinus lift creates the space needed for an implant. It is a specific form of bone augmentation rather than a different treatment path.
Dr. Patel Dentistry — Ajax, ON
Why Choose Dr. Patel Dentistry for Bone Grafting?
“At Dr. Patel Dentistry, bone grafting is planned with advanced CBCT imaging to determine exactly where and how much graft material is needed. We ensure patients understand the process, expected healing timeline, and what to expect during recovery before any procedure begins.”
Common Questions
Bone Grafting FAQ
How long does a bone graft take to heal before implant placement?
Bone grafts typically require three to six months to integrate fully before an implant can be placed. Your dentist will monitor healing with X-rays before proceeding.
Is bone grafting painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and is generally well tolerated. Post-operative discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and resolves within one to two weeks.
What types of graft material are used?
We use biocompatible materials including synthetic bone substitutes and processed donor bone. All materials are thoroughly tested and approved for safety.
How long does a bone graft last?
Once the graft has integrated with your existing bone it becomes part of the jaw, and it can provide a stable foundation for implants or other restorative treatment for many years. Good oral hygiene and regular checkups help keep that foundation healthy over time, particularly around any implant placed into it.
What kind of bone-building procedure will I need?
That depends on where bone is needed and how much. In the upper back jaw a sinus lift may be recommended, and where the ridge is too narrow or too short a ridge augmentation may be. These are themselves types of bone-augmentation procedure and usually involve grafting rather than being alternatives to it. Dr. Patel reviews your CBCT imaging and explains which approach fits your situation.
Ready to Book?
Contact Dr. Patel Dentistry in Ajax today. We are accepting new patients and would love to help.