Oral Surgery & Extractions
Bone grafting
Rebuilding jawbone to support an implant or preserve the ridge.
Purpose
Bone for an implant
Visit
One procedure
Anaesthetic
Local
Healing
3–6 months
Overview
A bone graft adds material that acts as a scaffold your own bone grows into and replaces over a few months. It's most often done to create enough solid bone to place a dental implant, because bone naturally shrinks after a tooth is lost and can be reduced further by infection or gum disease.
Common questions
Where does the graft come from?
Most grafts use processed, sterile graft material; sometimes your own bone or a protective membrane is added. We'll explain what's planned for your case.
Why might I need one?
Bone naturally shrinks after a tooth is lost, and infection or gum disease can reduce it further. A graft restores enough volume to place an implant safely.
How long does it take to heal?
The graft usually integrates over about three to six months before an implant is placed, though timelines vary with the site and amount of bone needed.
Having this treatment?
See your step-by-step journey →
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Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026