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 not be enough bone remaining to support an implant without additional preparation.
Bone grafting is a procedure that adds bone material to the affected area of the jaw, encouraging the body to generate new bone tissue over time. Once the graft has integrated and new bone has formed, the site is ready to receive a dental implant with a stable, long-lasting foundation.
At Dentists @ Canning Vale, Dr Desmond Ng uses advanced 3D imaging and comprehensive treatment planning to determine whether bone grafting is required, and to design the most appropriate approach for your specific situation.
Why Does Bone Loss Happen?
The jawbone is maintained by stimulation from tooth roots. When teeth are lost or extracted, that stimulation stops, and the bone gradually resorbs (shrinks) over time. The longer a tooth has been missing, the more significant the bone loss is likely to be.
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 thorough assessment is the only way to know for certain.
🔬 Your Assessment May Include
- Clinical oral examination
- Digital X-rays to evaluate bone height and density
- 3D CBCT cone beam imaging, the gold standard for implant planning
- Assessment of gum health and overall oral condition
- Evaluation of your implant treatment goals and timeline
Dr Desmond Ng will review all findings and clearly explain whether bone grafting is required, what the procedure involves, how long healing will take, and how it fits into your overall implant treatment plan.
The Bone Grafting Process
Consultation & 3D Imaging
We take a detailed CBCT scan to map your jawbone in three dimensions. This shows us exactly how much bone is present, where it is deficient, and what type of graft approach will work best.
Personalised Treatment Planning
Dr Desmond Ng designs a grafting plan tailored to your anatomy, 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 protected to allow the healing process to begin undisturbed.
Healing & Integration
Over the following months, the graft material scaffolds the growth of new bone tissue. Your body gradually integrates the graft until the site has the density and volume required for implant placement.
Implant Placement
Once sufficient bone has formed and the site is ready, dental 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 advise on the best sequencing for your individual situation.
Benefits of Bone Grafting
🏗️ Opens the Door to Implants
For patients told they don’t have enough bone for implants, grafting can restore the volume needed to make implant treatment possible.
🔧 Stronger Implant Stability
Adequate bone mass provides a firm anchor for implants, supporting long-term stability and reducing the risk of implant failure.
✅ Long-Lasting Results
New bone formed through grafting becomes a permanent part of your jaw, an improvement that supports your implant for decades.
👤 Preserves Facial Structure
Ongoing bone loss can alter facial contours over time. Rebuilding jaw volume helps maintain a fuller, more youthful facial appearance.
📊 Improves Implant Outcomes
A well-supported bone site contributes to more predictable healing and a higher rate of long-term implant success.
🍱 Restores Full Function
By enabling successful implant placement, bone grafting ultimately restores natural chewing function and quality of life.
🩹 What to Expect During Recovery
- Some swelling and mild discomfort in the days following the procedure is normal and manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medication
- A soft diet is recommended in the initial healing period to protect the graft site
- Smoking significantly impairs bone healing, cessation before and after grafting is strongly advised
- Healing timelines vary depending on graft size and location, typically 3–6 months before implant placement
- 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, so you won’t feel pain during the grafting itself. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate and well-managed with pain relief medication. Most patients find the procedure more straightforward than they anticipated. 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. In most cases, 3–6 months of healing is required 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 is only recommended when there is a genuine deficiency that would compromise implant stability or longevity. A thorough assessment with 3D imaging is the most accurate way to determine whether grafting is necessary in your case.
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 get a clear picture of your bone health, implant eligibility, and the path forward.
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.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, we will explain the benefits, risks and alternatives, and you are welcome to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
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.