What Is Bone Grafting for Implants?
Dentist Grants Pass
Bone grafting is a preparatory procedure used to restore bone volume in areas where the jaw has lost density, often due to tooth loss, gum disease, or injury. This process is essential when placing dental implants, as implants require a solid foundation of healthy bone to remain stable and secure over time. Without sufficient bone support, implants may fail or become less effective in restoring full oral function. A bone graft builds up the area using your own bone, donor material, or synthetic alternatives, encouraging natural bone regeneration.
This technique makes it possible for patients who were once told they were not candidates for implants to receive them successfully. After grafting, the site is given time to heal and integrate, forming a strong, supportive base for future implant placement. Bone grafting is a special procedure that protects your overall oral health and enables long-term results with dental implants. It plays a vital role in ensuring your smile remains strong, stable, and fully functional well into the future.
Why Trust Dr. Niklaus Spendlove?
Dentist Grants Pass
Dr. Niklaus Spendlove brings advanced training and surgical precision to every bone grafting procedure, ensuring each patient receives personalized care and optimal outcomes. He carefully evaluates the quality and volume of your existing bone using advanced diagnostic tools to determine if grafting is necessary and which material will best suit your anatomy. His approach is thorough, conservative, and always focused on achieving the strongest foundation for long-lasting implant success.
Patients appreciate Dr. Spendlove’s commitment to comfort and communication throughout the grafting process. He takes time to explain each step clearly, sets realistic expectations, and follows up closely to support healing and integration. His meticulous technique ensures your graft is placed with precision and minimal discomfort. Whether you’re planning a single implant or a full-mouth restoration, Dr. Spendlove’s expertise in surgical procedures allows him to deliver dependable results with confidence. His dedication to quality care and long-term success makes him a trusted partner in preparing your smile for durable, beautiful implants.
Benefits of Bone Grafting for Implants
Dentist Grants Pass
Improved Implant Stability
Bone grafting rebuilds the foundation of your jaw, allowing implants to anchor securely. This added support increases the long-term success rate and stability of the implant for a healthier, more durable smile.
Expanded Candidacy for Implants
Patients with significant bone loss can become candidates for implants through bone grafting. The procedure creates the necessary bone structure, opening the door to modern tooth replacement options that restore both appearance and function.
Preservation of Facial Structure
By restoring lost bone volume, grafting helps prevent facial collapse and maintains a natural jawline. This support protects your overall facial appearance and promotes better oral health following tooth loss.
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What Clinical Research Shows About Bone Grafting for Implants
Implant survival in ridge bone regenerated with guided bone regeneration (GBR)
95.5
Implant survival after sinus grafting with xenograft material
95.6
Pooled 3-year implant survival after sinus floor elevation (48 studies, 12,020 implants)
90.1
Best-case implant survival after sinus grafting (rough-surface implants with membrane coverage)
98.3
Cumulative implant survival in GBR-treated sites at 5 years
96.1
Bone defect fill (osseous augmentation) achieved with GBR
94.8
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| Bone Grafting Evidence | Percentage | What the Data Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Implant survival in GBR-regenerated ridge bone | 95.5% | A systematic review in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants reported a 95.5% implant survival rate for implants placed in alveolar ridge bone rebuilt with guided bone regeneration. |
| Implant survival in a grafted sinus (xenograft) | 95.6% | The same International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants review reported a 95.6% implant survival rate when the sinus was grafted with xenograft material. |
| 3-year implant survival after sinus floor elevation | 90.1% | A Journal of Clinical Periodontology systematic review pooling 48 studies and 12,020 implants estimated a 90.1% implant survival rate three years after sinus floor elevation. |
| Best-case survival after sinus grafting | 98.3% | The same Journal of Clinical Periodontology review found the best outcomes, 98.3% implant survival at three years, when rough-surface implants were used with membrane coverage of the lateral window. |
| 5-year implant survival in GBR-treated sites | 96.1% | A 5-year prospective study in Clinical Oral Implants Research reported a 96.1% cumulative implant survival rate for implants placed with guided bone regeneration to treat peri-implant bone defects. |
| Bone defect fill achieved with GBR | 94.8% | The same Clinical Oral Implants Research study reported a mean osseous augmentation of 94.8%, meaning nearly all of the treated bone defect was filled in. |
Sources: Aghaloo TL, Moy PK. “Which Hard Tissue Augmentation Techniques Are the Most Successful in Furnishing Bony Support for Implant Placement?” International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants. 2007;22(Suppl):49-70.Pjetursson BE, Tan WC, Zwahlen M, Lang NP. “A Systematic Review of the Success of Sinus Floor Elevation and Survival of Implants Inserted in Combination With Sinus Floor Elevation.” Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2008;35(8 Suppl):216-240.Blanco J, Alonso A, Sanz M. “Long-Term Results and Survival Rate of Implants Treated With Guided Bone Regeneration: A 5-Year Case Series Prospective Study.” Clinical Oral Implants Research. 2005;16(3):294-301.
What Grants Pass Patients Should Know About Bone Grafting for Implants
Grafting rebuilds the foundation an implant needs.
When the jawbone is too thin or too short, often after tooth loss, an extraction, or gum disease, a graft adds volume so an implant can be placed and properly supported. Dr. Spendlove evaluates whether grafting is needed before or during implant treatment.
Implants in grafted bone perform similarly to implants in natural bone.
Systematic reviews report that survival and success rates for implants placed in properly grafted sites are comparable to those placed in sites that never needed augmentation.
The graft material is chosen for your situation.
Options include your own bone, processed donor bone, or bone-substitute materials. Research indicates substitute materials can perform as well as your own bone in many situations, and Dr. Spendlove will discuss which approach fits your case.
Grafting at the time of extraction can protect the site.
Placing a graft in the socket when a tooth is removed (ridge preservation) reduces the natural bone shrinkage that follows tooth loss. A Cochrane review found ridge preservation retained roughly 1.2 mm more ridge width and 1.4 mm more height than allowing the socket to heal on its own.
Healing takes time.
Grafted bone generally needs several months to mature, either before an implant is placed or alongside it, depending on the graft type, the location, and the size of the defect. Dr. Spendlove will outline your specific timeline.
Your habits and health affect the outcome.
Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and poor oral hygiene can raise the risk of graft or implant complications. Consistent home care and regular follow-up visits help support healing and long-term success.
Read Our 5-Star Reviews
Dentist Grants Pass
“When there isn’t enough bone to support an implant, a bone graft rebuilds the foundation so the implant has a stable, lasting base. My goal is to evaluate each site carefully, choose the grafting approach that fits the situation, and give every patient a clear picture of the timeline and what to expect during healing.”
Dr. Niklaus Spendlove
Questions Grants Pass Dental Patients Ask
Why would I need a bone graft for a dental implant?
A dental implant needs enough healthy bone around it to stay stable. If the jaw has lost width or height, commonly after a tooth has been missing for a while, after an extraction, or due to gum disease, a bone graft rebuilds that volume so an implant can be placed and supported. Dr. Spendlove uses an examination and imaging to determine whether grafting is needed.
Do implants placed in grafted bone last as long as implants in natural bone?
Research is encouraging. Studies report high implant survival in grafted sites, often in the 90–98% range depending on the technique, and comparable to implants placed in bone that never needed augmentation. Long-term success also depends on your bite, oral hygiene, and overall health.
What kinds of bone grafting materials are used?
Grafts may use your own bone, processed donor bone, or bone-substitute materials, sometimes in combination. The choice depends on the size and location of the area being rebuilt. Dr. Spendlove will explain which material is appropriate for your treatment plan.
What is a sinus lift, and why might I need one?
When upper back teeth are missing, the sinus can sit too low for an implant, leaving too little bone. A sinus floor elevation (sinus lift) adds bone beneath the sinus so an implant can be placed. Research shows this is a predictable procedure with high implant survival rates.
Can the graft and the implant be done at the same time?
Sometimes. In certain cases the graft and implant can be placed during the same procedure, while in others the graft is placed first and allowed to heal before the implant. The right approach depends on how much bone is present and the condition of the site, which Dr. Spendlove will assess.
How long does healing take after a bone graft?
Healing time varies with the type of graft, the location, and the amount of bone being rebuilt. Many grafts need several months to mature before an implant is placed or restored. Dr. Spendlove will give you a timeline specific to your treatment.