Do I Need Bone Grafting For My Dental Implant Procedure?
Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement in modern dentistry for a
variety of reasons, not the least of which is because they integrate directly into the
patients jaw bone leading to increased stability, chewing strength, ease of speaking,
and a natural look and feel. However, as we have documented in previous blogs, loss
of bone can occur following tooth loss or tooth extraction. 1 How, then can a dental
implant integrate into bone that isn’t there. The short answer is, it can’t. Luckily for
patients, oral surgeons like Dr. Vladimir Polyakov utilize a solution that can help many
patients realize their dreams of a new smile with dental implants even if they have low
bone volume available: bone grafting.
What is Bone Grafting?
Dental Implants work by incorporating into the jaw bone directly through a process
known as osseointegration. 2 When there is not enough bone to support the implant and
the forces of chewing. Adequate bone is an incredibly important component to dental
implant placement. 3 To counteract this, oral surgeons can utilize a process known as
bone grafting where bone is placed at the future site of the implant placement prior to
the dental implant procedure to build up higher volume of bone in the area to better
support the upcoming prosthesis.
So, where does the bone for bone grafts come from?
With bone grafting for dental implant placement, there are a few options oral surgeons
and patients can choose from depending on surgical preference, patient preference,
and medical necessity. The first grafting technique is known as an autograft, where the
patients own bone is used from another site and moved to the dental implant surgical
site where it can integrate into the existing bone and later support a dental implant.
The second option is known as an allograft, where human donor bone is utilized and
placed at the site of the dental implant placement. This is often an easier option than an
autograft because it allows for the procedure to be performed with only one surgical site
and avoids the need to take bone from the patient.
The third option is known as a xenograft, where bone is used from animal derived bone
samples. This is among the most common amongst bone grafting options. 4 Lastly,
synthetic or artificial bone can be used, known as alloplast. Common examples of
alloplast options include hydroxyapatite, beta-tricalcium phosphate, and bioactive
glass. 5
Ultimately, the appropriate selection of what to use and from where depends on the
individual patient, the circumstances surrounding the case, and the individual needs of
the situation.
Does everyone who gets a dental implant need bone grafting?
This is a very important question. The answer is an emphatic “no!” Bone grafting, like
many things in oral surgery particularly with regard to dental implant placement and
missing tooth restoration, is a tool at the disposal of the Synergy Dental Implant and
Oral Surgery team. Though it can be utilized if the situation calls for it, it is certainly not
required for all cases.
In order to evaluate if enough bone is present, our team uses advanced imaging
techniques such as panoramic x-rays and cone beam computerized tomography
(CBCT) to evaluate the height, width and volume of your bone as well as your individual
anatomy. Armed with that information, in conjuction with your clinical exam, Dr.
Polyakov can make the best possible clinical recommendations for your individual case
and discuss all possible options with you at your consultation.
Does bone grafting make the implant treatment process take longer?
Because it is an extra surgical procedure that needs to be performed, it is possible that
having a bone graft might extend the overall length of your dental implant treatment.
Many times, the bone placed must have time to integrate into the existing bone in the
jaw before the dental implant is placed in order to ensure the volume and strength of the
bone is adequate to support the implant. However, it is important to note that not every
case is the same, and our team treats each patient as an individual.
Bone grafting can be an outstanding tool that expands treatment options for many
patients who have been missing teeth for years. This procedure gives increased options
for replacing missing teeth and makes dental implant treatment available to more
patients than ever before. Thanks to bone grafting, patients who have been missing a
tooth for a long period of time or have low bone volume are no longer automatically
ruled out for dental implant treatment.
Dr. Polyakov and our expert team are happy to evaluate your individual case to see if
bone grafting might be right or necessary for you. Contact us today to schedule your
dental implant consultation, and lets get you on the path to a better smile for life!
References
1. Tan WL, Wong TLT, Wong MCM, Lang NP. A systematic review of post-extractional
alveolar hard and soft tissue dimensional changes in humans. Clin Oral Implants Res.
2012;23(suppl 5):1-21. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0501.2011.02375.x.
2. Abu Alfaraj T, Al-Madani S, Alqahtani NS, et al. Optimizing osseointegration in dental
implantology: a cross-disciplinary review of current and emerging strategies. Cureus.
2023;15(10):e47943. doi:10.7759/cureus.47943.
3. Gandhi Y. Biomaterials for guided bone regeneration: science and rationale. J Maxillofac
Oral Surg. 2025;24(4):877-885. doi:10.1007/s12663-025-02668-0.
4. Ferraz MP. Bone grafts in dental medicine: an overview of autografts, allografts and
synthetic materials. Materials (Basel). 2023;16(11):4117. doi:10.3390/ma16114117.
5. Haugen HJ, Sanz J, Perale G, Saiz AM, Romandini M, Rahmati M. Bone grafts:
everything you need to know. J Periodontal Res. Published online February 19, 2026.
doi:10.1111/jre.70087.
