Bone Grafting for Dental Implants: When You Need It and What to Expect

By Dr. Maryam Bangash, DDS (NYU) | Dreamworks Dental Studios, Rawalpindi | Last reviewed: October 2026

Bone grafting for dental implants is sometimes needed because an implant needs enough healthy jawbone to hold it firmly, much like a fence post needs solid ground. After a tooth is lost, the bone in that area slowly shrinks. If too much bone has been lost, a bone graft rebuilds it so an implant can be placed safely and last.

Why bone is lost after losing a tooth

Tooth roots stimulate the jawbone every time you chew. Once a tooth is removed, that stimulation stops and the bone begins to resorb, most quickly in the first months. Gum disease, long-term denture wear and infections can also reduce bone volume.

Signs you may need a bone graft

You can’t tell by looking. Bone volume is measured on X-rays, and often on a 3D CBCT scan. A graft is more likely if:

• The tooth was lost a long time ago
• The tooth was lost to gum disease or a long-standing infection
• The implant is in the upper back jaw, close to the sinus
• You’ve worn a removable denture for years

Types of bone grafting for dental implants

Socket preservation

Graft material is placed into the socket right after an extraction to limit bone shrinkage. It is often the simplest way to keep implant options open.

Ridge augmentation

This rebuilds the width or height of the jaw where bone has already been lost.

Sinus lift

This adds bone under the sinus floor in the upper back jaw, where bone is often thin.

Graft materials include processed bone from approved sources and synthetic substitutes. Dr. Maryam Bangash, who holds a Fellowship in Implantology, will explain which material and technique suits your case.

Healing time

• Graft at the same time as the implant: possible when bone loss is minor, so there’s no added waiting.
• Graft first, implant later: typically 3–6 months of healing before the implant is placed.

Overseas patients can often plan the graft on one trip and the implant on the next. See our overseas patient guide.

Recovery after a bone graft

• Some swelling and tenderness for 2–4 days is normal
• Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek for the first day
• Eat soft food and chew on the other side
• Avoid smoking, which slows healing and can cause the graft to fail
• Take any medicines exactly as prescribed
• Come back for your review so Dr. Maryam can check healing

Bone graft cost

Socket preservation and ridge augmentation are priced by how much graft material your case needs, which your scan will show. This is in addition to the implant itself. An implant with crown at our clinic is PKR 150,000–180,000, and implant consultations are free. See the full dental implant cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions — Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

Sources

• Cleveland Clinic – Dental bone graft
• ADA MouthHealthy – Implants

Book a Free Implant Consultation

📞 Call or WhatsApp: 0332-3333577
📍 Location: Capital Tower, Plot 577, Phase 8, Business District, Bahria Town, Rawalpindi
🌐 dreamworksdentalstudios.com

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