TOOTH REPLACEMENT
Bone Grafting
Surgical procedure to rebuild jawbone volume and density, creating a stable foundation where bone loss has occurred prior to implant placement.
Dental implants require a sufficient volume of healthy jawbone to anchor securely and function long-term. When bone loss has occurred, due to tooth loss, gum disease, trauma, or prolonged denture use, there may be insufficient bone for implant placement without additional treatment.
Bone grafting involves placing grafting material in an area of the jaw where additional bone volume may be required. Following an appropriate healing period, the site can be reassessed to determine whether there is sufficient bone for implant placement.
At Dentists @ Canning Vale, Dr. Desmond Ng may use 3D imaging and clinical assessment to determine whether bone grafting may be appropriate and to plan treatment based on your individual circumstances.
Why Does Bone Loss Happen?
Following tooth loss or extraction, bone volume at the site may gradually reduce over time. The amount of bone change varies between individuals.
Tooth Loss or Extraction
Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Dental Trauma or Injury
Long-Term Denture Use
Infection or Abscess
Natural Ageing
How We Assess Whether You Need a Bone Graft
Not every implant patient requires bone grafting, many patients have sufficient bone for straightforward implant placement. A clinical and radiographic assessment can help determine whether bone grafting may be required.
🔬 Your Assessment May Include
- Clinical oral examination
- Digital X-rays to evaluate bone height and density
- 3D CBCT imaging, where clinically indicated, to assist with implant assessment and planning.
- Assessment of gum health and overall oral condition
- Evaluation of your implant treatment goals and timeline
Dr. Desmond Ng will review the findings and discuss whether bone grafting is recommended, what the procedure involves and the anticipated healing timeframe.
The Bone Grafting Process
Consultation & 3D Imaging
We take a detailed CBCT scan to map your jawbone in three dimensions. This can assist in assessing available bone and planning an appropriate grafting approach where required.
Personalised Treatment Planning
Dr. Desmond Ng develops a grafting plan based on your individual anatomy and clinical requirements, including the graft material to be used, the timing relative to implant placement, and a clear outline of the healing period ahead.
Graft Placement
Under local anaesthesia, bone grafting material is carefully placed into the deficient area of the jaw. The site is then closed and allowed to heal.
Healing & Integration
Over the following months, the graft material scaffolds the growth of new bone tissue. During healing, the grafted site undergoes biological changes and is later reassessed to determine whether it is suitable for implant placement.
Implant Placement
Once healing has occurred, the site can be reassessed to determine whether implant placement can proceed. In suitable cases, grafting and implant placement may be performed at the same appointment.
⚠️ Can Grafting and Implant Placement Happen at the Same Time?
In some cases, where bone loss is minor and the implant can achieve primary stability, grafting material can be placed at the same time as the implant. Whether this is appropriate depends on the extent of bone loss, the implant site location, and your overall treatment plan. Dr. Desmond Ng will discuss the treatment sequence considered appropriate for your individual situation.
Potential Role of Bone Grafting in Implant Treatment
🏗️ May Enable Implant Placement
For patients told they don’t have enough bone for implants, bone grafting may increase available bone volume and, in suitable cases, allow implant placement to be considered.
🔧 Supporting Implant Placement
Adequate bone volume and quality are important considerations when planning implant placement.
✅ Bone Volume at the Implant Site
Following healing, a grafted site may provide additional bone volume to support implant placement. Individual outcomes vary.
👤 May Assist in Rebuilding Bone Volume
Bone grafting may be used to rebuild bone volume in areas where bone loss has occurred.
📊 Supports Implant Treatment Planning
Adequate bone volume and quality are among the factors considered when planning implant treatment.
🍱 May Facilitate Tooth Replacement
Where successful and clinically appropriate, bone grafting may allow implant treatment to proceed as part of a tooth replacement plan.
🩹 What to Expect During Recovery
- Swelling and discomfort may occur following the procedure. Your dentist will provide appropriate post-operative care and pain-relief advice.
- A soft diet is recommended in the initial healing period to protect the graft site
- Smoking is associated with an increased risk of impaired healing and complications following bone grafting.
- Healing timelines vary depending on graft size and location, healing times vary between individuals and depend on the type, size and location of the graft.
- Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor healing and confirm when the site is ready for the next stage
- Our team provides full aftercare instructions and remains available throughout your recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bone grafting painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, local anaesthesia is used to help minimise discomfort during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort and swelling may occur, and appropriate pain-relief and aftercare instructions will be provided. Dr. Desmond Ng will discuss what to expect before proceeding.
How long does bone graft healing take?
Healing time varies depending on the size and location of the graft and your individual healing rate. Healing may take several months, depending on the type and extent of grafting and individual healing factors before implant placement can proceed. Your follow-up appointments allow us to monitor progress and confirm when the bone has integrated sufficiently.
Does everyone need bone grafting before dental implants?
No, many patients have sufficient bone for implant placement without any grafting. Bone grafting may be recommended where the available bone is considered insufficient for the proposed implant treatment. Clinical assessment and appropriate imaging, which may include 3D imaging, can help determine whether bone grafting is recommended.
Where does the bone grafting material come from?
Several sources of grafting material can be used. Options include processed bone from a tissue bank (allograft), synthetic bone substitute materials (alloplastic), or in some cases, bone harvested from another site in your own body (autograft). Dr. Desmond Ng will recommend the most appropriate material based on your specific needs and treatment plan.
Find Out If Bone Grafting Is Right for You
Book a consultation with Dr. Desmond Ng and have your oral health and available bone assessed and discuss whether implant treatment and/or bone grafting may be appropriate for you.
Important Information
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Treatment suitability, results and costs vary between patients.
Dental procedures, including surgical procedures, have potential risks and limitations. Your dentist will discuss those relevant to your proposed treatment.
A consultation with one of our dentists is required to assess whether this treatment is appropriate for you. Book a consultation or call 08 9256 2588.
References & Further Reading
This page is based on current clinical literature and guidelines from recognised Australian and international dental and health authorities.
- Australian Dental Association. ada.org.au
- Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA). dentalboard.gov.au
- Australian Society of Implant Dentistry (ASID). asid.com.au
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - Medical Devices. tga.gov.au
- Australian Periodontology - ADA Oral Health Topics. ada.org.au/Dental-Professionals/Publications/Oral-Health-Topics
- Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. anzaoms.org
Content reviewed by Dr Desmond Ng, BDSc (Hons) University of Queensland | Principal Dentist, Dentists at Canning Vale. Last reviewed July 2026.