Bone Grafting Croydon | Cone Beam CT On Site

When Bone Grafting Is Needed

The jawbone requires a certain volume and density to support dental implants. When teeth are lost or extracted, the bone in that area begins to resorb. This is a natural process where the body gradually breaks down bone that is no longer being stimulated by a tooth root. Over time, this can leave insufficient bone for implant placement.

Bone loss in the jaw can result from several factors:

Tooth extraction: bone resorption begins soon after a tooth is removed, with the most significant loss occurring in the first year
Long-term denture use: conventional dentures rest on the gum surface and do not stimulate the underlying bone, leading to progressive ridge flattening over years
Periodontal (gum) disease: chronic infection around teeth can destroy the bone that supports them
Trauma or infection: injuries to the jaw or infections at the tooth root can result in localised bone loss
Natural anatomy: some people have naturally thinner jaw ridges, particularly in the upper back jaw where the sinus is close to the ridge crest

At Divine Dental Care in Croydon, we use in-house CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scanning to assess bone volume in three dimensions before planning any implant procedure. This allows precise measurement of available bone height, width, and density, and helps determine whether grafting is required.

Book a bone grafting consultation: call (03) 9725 8040 or book online. We are open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6:00pm and Saturday 8:30am to 5:00pm.

Types of Bone Grafting Procedures

Socket Preservation

Socket preservation (also called ridge preservation) is performed at the time of tooth extraction. Bone graft material is placed directly into the extraction socket to minimise the bone loss that would otherwise occur during healing. This is particularly relevant when an implant is planned for the site but cannot be placed immediately.

For patients in the Croydon, Ringwood, and Maroondah area who are considering future implants, socket preservation at the time of extraction can save time and reduce the need for a more extensive grafting procedure later.

Ridge Augmentation

When significant bone loss has already occurred, whether from teeth lost years ago or from long-term denture use, a ridge augmentation graft may be needed to rebuild the width or height of the jaw ridge. This is a more involved procedure than socket preservation and requires a healing period of several months before implant placement.

Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation)

The maxillary sinuses sit directly above the roots of the upper back teeth. When upper molars or premolars are lost, the sinus can gradually expand downward into the space where bone was, leaving insufficient bone height for implant placement.

A sinus lift involves gently elevating the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material beneath it, between the membrane and the existing jaw bone. Over several months, this graft integrates and creates sufficient bone depth for implants to be placed in the upper jaw.

Sinus lifts are one of the more common bone augmentation procedures performed in conjunction with implant treatment. Our CBCT scanner provides detailed views of the sinus anatomy, membrane thickness, and available bone, which is important for planning these procedures safely.

Block Bone Grafts

In cases of severe bone loss, a block of bone may be harvested from another site (commonly the chin or the back of the lower jaw) and secured to the deficient area with small screws. This type of graft is reserved for situations where particulate graft material alone would not provide adequate volume.

Bone Graft Materials

Several types of graft material may be used, depending on the clinical situation:

Autograft: bone harvested from another site in your own body (typically the jaw). This is biologically compatible but requires a second surgical site
Allograft: processed human donor bone from a tissue bank. This is one of the most commonly used graft materials
Xenograft: processed bone from animal sources (commonly bovine). Used widely in dental grafting, particularly for sinus lifts
Synthetic graft: biocompatible synthetic materials that serve as a scaffold for new bone growth

Your dentist will discuss which material is appropriate for your specific situation during the planning stage.

The Grafting Process

Bone grafting is typically performed under local anaesthetic. Depending on the type and extent of the graft, the procedure may take between 30 minutes and two hours. For patients who experience anxiety, sedation options may be discussed.

The general process involves:

Numbing the area with local anaesthetic
Making a small incision in the gum to access the bone
Placing the graft material and, in some cases, a membrane to hold it in position
Closing the site with sutures
Follow-up appointments to monitor healing
CBCT imaging after several months to confirm bone integration before implant placement

Recovery and Aftercare

After bone grafting, you can expect some swelling and mild discomfort for the first few days. Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions, which typically include:

Pain relief medication as recommended
Antibiotics if prescribed
Soft diet for one to two weeks
Avoiding the surgical area when brushing
No smoking, as this significantly impairs healing and graft integration
Avoiding strenuous physical activity for several days

Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days, though the graft material requires several months to fully integrate with the surrounding bone.

Connection to Dental Implants

Bone grafting is most commonly performed as a preparatory step for dental implant placement. At Divine Dental Care, we take a planned approach. We use CBCT imaging to assess your bone volume, determine whether grafting is needed, and time the implant placement to coincide with successful graft integration.

For patients considering All-on-4 implant dentures, bone grafting may or may not be necessary, as this technique is specifically designed to work with available bone. Your dentist will assess your situation and discuss the options.

Our Croydon practice is at 59 Wicklow Avenue, near Croydon Station, with parking available on site. Call (03) 9725 8040 or book online to arrange a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dental bone grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that adds bone material to areas of the jaw where bone has been lost or has deteriorated. The graft provides a scaffold for your body to regenerate new bone over several months, rebuilding the volume and density needed to support dental implants or other restorations.

Do I need bone grafting before dental implants?

Not everyone requires bone grafting. Whether you need it depends on the volume and density of your existing jawbone, which is assessed through 3D CBCT imaging. Bone loss commonly occurs after tooth extraction, long-term denture use, or periodontal disease. Your dentist will determine whether a graft is necessary during your implant assessment.

How long does recovery take after bone grafting?

Initial healing typically takes one to two weeks, during which you may experience swelling, mild discomfort, and dietary restrictions. However, the graft itself takes several months (usually four to nine months) to integrate and mature before an implant can be placed. Your dentist will monitor healing with follow-up appointments and imaging.

What is a sinus lift?

A sinus lift (sinus augmentation) is a specific type of bone graft performed in the upper jaw. The sinus membrane is gently lifted to create space between the jaw and the sinus floor, and bone graft material is placed into this space. This is commonly needed when the upper back teeth have been missing for some time and the sinus has expanded into the area where bone was lost.

What factors affect the cost of bone grafting?

Costs depend on the type and extent of grafting required. A simple socket preservation graft at the time of extraction is less complex than a larger block graft or sinus lift. The type of graft material used, whether the procedure is combined with implant placement, and the number of sites involved all affect the overall cost. A detailed treatment plan with fees will be provided after your assessment.

How long after bone grafting can implants be placed?

The waiting period depends on the type and extent of the graft. Smaller grafts such as socket preservation may allow implant placement after four to six months. Larger grafts and sinus lifts may require six to nine months or longer for sufficient bone maturation. Your dentist will use follow-up imaging to confirm when the site is ready for implant placement.

Bone Grafting & Sinus Lifts