In order to be secure and stable, the titanium implants need to fuse and bond to your jawbone and create a solid foundation, a process known as osseointegration. In some cases, there may not be sufficient bone mass present for this to take place, and without intervention the implant will fail.
Do I need a bone graft?
When a tooth, or multiple teeth, is missing due to accident, decay or extraction, it can affect more than just the gap seen when you smile. After a tooth has been removed, the bone that has supported it begins to be lost. This can mean not enough bone is present to ensure the successful placement of an implant, especially if the tooth has been missing for a long time.
During your consultation appointment, our implantologist will assess and examine your teeth and gums. They will expertly determine whether a bone graft will be necessary before you are able to undergo implant treatment.
How does a bone graft work?
Bone grafts are a simple procedure to increase the width and height of the bone at the implant site, so the implant has better stability. Tissue or other bone graft material is attached to the affected area, to encourage bone growth.
Can I have dentures fitted instead?
Dentures are an effective tooth restoration, which improve the appearance of your smile, but they don’t stop the bone loss process. As a result, they become more ill-fitting over time and can cause issues with confidence when eating and speaking.
Dental implants are seen as a superior alternative as the bone is preserved and remains stimulated while you talk and eat. Implants look, feel and function just as a natural tooth does, and make the jaw bone stronger and more stable over time. We are happy to discuss your options and give treatment advice based on your individual case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure to increase the height and/or width of the jawbone at the site where an implant is planned. It’s necessary when there is insufficient bone mass, which can occur after tooth loss, trauma, or long-term tooth absence; without it, implants may fail.
During your initial consultation, the implantologist examines your teeth and gums and evaluates the bone volume using imaging (including a CT scan) to decide whether bone grafting is needed before implant placement.
Grafts may involve bone or tissue material that encourages bone growth and stability. Common options include autografts (your own bone), allografts (donor bone), xenografts (animal-derived bone), or synthetic materials.
Yes, bone grafting can be done either before implant surgery or simultaneously, depending on your individual case and the condition of your jawbone.
Dentures can restore your smile, but unlike implants, they don’t prevent bone loss. Over time, dentures may become ill-fitting and uncomfortable. Implants help preserve bone by stimulating and strengthening it.
Smile Suffolk offers a free consultation, free assessment & CT scan (worth £242), and free 3‑ and 12‑month review appointments as part of the implant treatment pathway.
Healing after a bone graft varies with its size and complexity. Initial healing may take a week or two, but full integration of the graft can take several months, often around 3–6 months. During this period, follow our care instructions closely.
At Smile Suffolk, the procedure is carried out by our experienced implantologist. In the broader dental field, oral surgeons, periodontists, or implantologists commonly perform bone grafts.
Bone grafting provides the necessary bone support for secure implant placement. It improves implant stability, ensures long-term success, preserves facial structure, and enables a natural-looking restoration.
Bone augmentation at Smile Suffolk starts from £562. The exact cost depends on your individual treatment plan and complexity, and will be confirmed after consultation.
"I am very pleased with the treatment I received. There was no discomfort during the course of treatment. The treatment has been beneficial because I can now eat anything either side of my mouth and I also I can smile better. I would strongly recommend Senthil to friends and family if they need similar care or treatment"
Mr W. Burrows, Treatment received: Sinus Lift, Implants, Crowns, Bridge
"Very pleased with quality of treatment, friendliness of practice and patient care. There was very little discomfort and much less than I expected. Improved self-confidence – willing to show teeth when smiling for first time in over 30 years. I would extremely likely to recommend Senthil to friends and family if they need similar care or treatment"
Mr M. Giles, Treatment received: Dental Implants, Veneers, Sinus Lift
"Well cared for and full explanation to what was happening and good aftercare. Very slight discomfort during the treatment. I benifited from implant treatment as its much less hassle than having a denture"
Mrs V. Westwood, Treatment received: Dental Implants
