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.
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.
The treatment includes a free consultation with a care coordinator, a free assessment & CT scan (valued at £274), and free reviews at 3 and 12-month intervals.
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
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Ist visit, very impressed, and extremely professional
Posted on Google
Mike Gooch
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I went to Smile Ipswich for a filling. I was treated by Bolly, who does my 6 monthly check ups. I must say that this filling was the gentlest I have ever experienced. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
Posted on Google
Isi Baylor
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very disappointed with the communication and transparency here. I registered over the phone and asked about booking a hygiene appointment, and was told I could do so online. Today I attended for the appointment only to be charged £150 instead of the quoted £99, because I was supposedly 'not yet a registered client' despite having registered. I was then told I actually needed to book a £77 dentist appointment first to be considered registered—something I was never informed about beforehand. Feels very misleading and like a way to squeeze extra money out of patients. Won't be returning.
Posted on Google
Abbas Alshammari
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great experience 😊
Posted on Google
Svetlana Sewell
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Recommended, exceptional conditions and professional staff. Friendly atmosphere.
Posted on Google
Lindsay Green
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jen snd Susie are both fantastic. The new GBT system for cleaning teeth wasn't at all uncomfortable and was a lot quicker and painless.
I used to dread having my teeth cleaned by the hygienist but not now!
Jen is always smiling, cheerful and professional 😊
Posted on Google
Ariana Sorensen
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jen and Patricia were thoughtful, informative, polite and efficient. I really enjoyed my visit
Posted on Google
Dan Turner
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very good hygienist and dentist.
Really thorough and give good advice. Great appointment reminder system.
Posted on Google
Elaine Pugh
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jenny and Koko dealt with my hygienist appointment really well as I am a nervous patient.
