18555 N 79th Ave Suite A-103
Glendale, AZ 85308-8370
Call Now! (623) 738-2564

We have implemented new protocols for our patient's and staff's safety. Please see our updated covid protocols for when you visit us.

Dental Implants - When is a Bone Graft Recommended?

Posted on 3/15/2025 by Dr. Michael Allard

Dental bone graft in the gum, covered by a protective membrane placed between two teeth.

Missing teeth can be a real pain, both literally and figuratively. Not only can they affect your ability to chew and speak properly, but they can also impact your confidence and self-esteem. Thankfully, dental implants offer a long-lasting, natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth. However, sometimes the jawbone lacks sufficient quality or quantity to support an implant. In these situations, a bone graft may be recommended.

What is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the jaw. This additional bone helps to create a strong foundation for the dental implant, ensuring its long-term success. The bone used for grafting can be taken from different sources:

•	Your own body: This is known as an autogenous bone graft and is considered the gold standard.
•	A donor: This is called an allogenic bone graft and comes from a human tissue bank.
•	Synthetic materials: These are typically made from calcium phosphate and are constantly evolving.

Why is a Bone Graft Sometimes Needed?

There are several reasons why a bone graft may be needed before getting dental implants:

•	Insufficient bone density: If your jawbone is too thin or weak, it may not be able to support the implant.
•	Bone loss after tooth extraction: When a tooth is extracted, the surrounding bone can start to shrink. A bone graft can help to rebuild this lost bone.
•	Gum disease: Gum disease can damage the bone supporting your teeth. A bone graft can help to restore this bone and prevent further damage.

What to Expect During a Bone Graft Procedure

The bone graft procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon will make a small incision in your gum tissue and then carefully place the bone graft material in the desired location. The incision will then be closed with sutures.

Depending on the type of bone graft used, it may take several months for the bone to fully heal and integrate with your existing jawbone. Once the bone has healed, the dental implant can be placed.

Advantages of Having a Bone Graft Before Dental Implants

While a bone graft adds an extra step to the dental implant process, it offers several significant advantages:

•	Higher success rate: Implants placed in grafted bone have a higher success rate than those placed in insufficient bone.
•	Improved aesthetics: A bone graft can help to restore the natural contours of your jaw, leading to a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
•	Preserves natural bone: A bone graft can help to preserve the remaining bone in your jaw, which is important for long-term oral health.

The Bottom Line

If you're considering dental implants, your dentist will assess your jawbone to determine if a bone graft is necessary. While it may seem like an extra step, a bone graft can significantly improve the success and longevity of your dental implants.

If you have any questions about bone grafts or dental implants, please don't hesitate to contact your dentist. They can provide you with personalized advice and help you make the best decision for your oral health.

Phone

(623) 738-2564

Hours

Mon - Tue: 8:00am–5:00pm
Wed - Thu: 7:00am–4:00pm
Friday: 7:00am–3:00pm

New Patient Forms

Request Appointment

Referring Doctors

Arrowhead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 18555 N 79th Ave, Suite A-103, Glendale, AZ 85308-8370; (623) 738-2564; arrowheadoralsurgery.com; 4/21/2025; Related Terms: Dental Implants Glendale AZ;