Why bone disappears in the first place
Jaw bone exists to hold teeth. When a tooth goes, the bone that surrounded its root has nothing to do, and the body gradually reabsorbs it. Most of that loss happens in the first year, and it continues slowly after.
The result is that a gap left for years often has too little bone, in height or in width, to hold an implant securely. Grafting rebuilds it.
How the procedure runs
- A 3D scan shows exactly how much bone is missing and in which direction.
- The graft, placed under local anaesthetic through a small opening in the gum, then covered with a protective membrane and closed.
- Healing, three to six months, while your body converts the graft into your own living bone.
- The implant, placed once there is enough bone to hold it.
In some cases the graft and the implant can go in at the same appointment. That depends on how much bone is missing, and it is a decision made from the scan.
Who it suits, and who it does not
Anyone who wants an implant but does not currently have the bone for one. It is a means to an end rather than a treatment in itself.
Smoking is the single biggest reason grafts fail, and we will be direct with you about that. Uncontrolled diabetes and active gum disease also need dealing with first.
Afterwards
Swelling for two to four days, soreness that painkillers handle, and a soft diet for the first week. Do not poke the area, do not smoke, and do not skip the review appointment. More on recovery and aftercare.