What is a bone graft?

Bone grafting is a method used to build bone in your jaw when there is not enough bone to place implants. Bone loss can be caused by tooth infection, gum disease, excessive bone removal during extraction or when teeth have been removed for many years. There are different types of bone grafts depending on how much bone is needed to restore the jawbone so an implant can be placed several months later.

What are the different types of bone graft?

● Socket Preservation: The simplest bone graft is a socket preservation graft. The procedure involves placing small pieces of bone shavings into an extraction site to preserve the bone width and/or height necessary in order to place an implant in the future.

● Block Grafting: If there is significant bone loss, a solid piece of block bone can be used to help facilitate this regenerative process. The bone can either be harvested from your own jaw or we can use donated bone which are then screwed into the defect.

● Sinus Lift: Inside your posterior maxilla (top jaw), there is a hollow structure called the maxillary sinus. A sinus lift is a delicate procedure that is used to increase the amount of bone height in your maxilla by elevating the sinus membrane and packing bone underneath it. This allows bone to form and it increases the amount of bone height available for a dental implant.

Which type of bone graft will I need?

Each method has advantages and disadvantages and every situation is different. Drs. Hall, Sy and Hui will thoroughly discuss each method available to you during the consultation.

Where does the bone come from?

Bone can be obtained from three main sources: animal, human or your own body. Each type of bone has its advantages and disadvantages, but the bottom line is that they are all safe and effective for their purposes. All bone graft material goes through a rigorous process of repeated washings and testing before they are approved and deemed safe for human implantation. If you have a religious or personal preference not to receive certain bone graft material, please tell the doctors at your consultation visit

What is PRF?

Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is the second-generation line of platelet derived growth factors. Numerous studies in various well respected medical and dental literature have shown that these growth factors help create healthier, denser bone and soft tissue. Before the bone grafting procedure starts, blood is drawn and then processed. The resulting PRF layer is mixed with the bone graft before being placed into the recipient site. All of this is done on site during your visit.

What is the recovery like after bone grafting?

The typical time course for healing after a bone graft varies depending on the complexity of the case. In most cases, you should expect swelling and mild discomfort for 3-5 days. Most people are back to normal within 1-2 weeks. Post-operative instructions will be reviewed with you by our staff verbally and in written form on the day of our surgery.