Bone Grafting
Bone grafting and sinus lift: building the foundation before the implant
An implant needs enough bone around it on every side. When bone has shrunk after an extraction, gum disease or years of a removable denture, we rebuild it with regenerative procedures, or lift the sinus floor in the upper jaw, to give the implant a stable base.
Who is this for?
Bone grafting rebuilds the jawbone that was lost so it becomes enough to hold an implant. A sinus lift is its form for the upper back jaw, where the air sinus expands and the bone becomes thin.
- Bone loss at the site of an old extraction
- A low sinus in the back upper jaw that leaves too little height for an implant
- Bone loss caused by chronic gum disease
- A planned extraction with bone preservation ahead of an implant
How we do it here
The same path for every patient: imaging, digital planning, then guided treatment.
CBCT imaging
Bone height, width, density and the sinus position are measured to the millimetre before choosing the procedure.
Choosing the procedure
Bone graft, membrane-guided bone regeneration, or an internal or external sinus lift, according to what the area needs.
The procedure
Under local anaesthesia, with surgical microscope magnification when needed, for precise handling of the tissues.
Bone maturation
The new bone needs time to integrate and become ready to carry an implant.
The implant
In the same session when the bone allows, or after the maturation period, depending on the case.
The devices we rely on
- 3D CBCT imaging
- Surgical microscope
What to expect
After the procedure
Mild swelling for a few days is expected and controlled with instructions and medication.
Graft materials
Natural or synthetic; the doctor explains the right option for your case and why.
Maturation time
Months, depending on the type of procedure and the size of the area.
Follow-up
The result is checked clinically and with imaging before the implant.
Aftercare
- Follow the medication and the cold-compress advice on the first day as explained to you
- Avoid blowing your nose hard or sneezing with a closed mouth after a sinus lift
- Soft food, and keep chewing away from the treated area
- No smoking at all, as it is the biggest threat to graft success
The information on this page is general education and does not replace a clinical examination. Every treatment plan is set after assessment at the clinic.
Risks and possible complications
Every surgical procedure carries some risk. These are the most common, and what we do to reduce them.
- Swelling and bruising in the first days, a little more than after an implant alone.
- Infection or exposure of the graft if the wound opens early; it is treated and may need a small intervention.
- Resorption of part of the graft during healing, which may call for a small addition when the implant is placed.
- In a sinus lift: a tear of the sinus membrane during the lift, usually managed in the same session.
- Discomfort at the donor site if your own bone is used.
What we do to reduce them: planning on a CBCT scan before any intervention, strict sterilisation, clear written instructions, and close follow-up after the procedure. If something unexpected happens, we tell you and treat it.
When this treatment may not be right for you
Not every case is ready now. These situations need preparation first, or a different option.
- Active infection at the site or in the sinuses; it is treated first.
- Heavy smoking that cannot be stopped during healing; it raises the chance of graft failure.
- An unstable general condition or some bone medications; a specific assessment is needed.
- Cases where grafting can be avoided with shorter or tilted implants, discussed before deciding.
Alternatives we may discuss with you
We may discuss shorter or tilted implants that avoid the need for grafting, or a restoration on fewer implants, depending on what the 3D scan shows.
Frequently asked questions
General answers; your own plan is set after examination.
What is a bone graft and where does it come from?
A material placed where bone is missing to stimulate the body to build new bone. It can be the patient’s own bone, a processed material of natural origin, or a synthetic material. The doctor chooses what suits each case.
Is the procedure painful?
It is done under local anaesthesia. Afterwards, swelling and discomfort for a few days are controlled with medication and instructions.
Internal or external sinus lift: what is the difference?
The internal lift is done through the implant site itself when the shortfall is small. The external lift is done through a small side window when more height is needed. The CBCT scan decides which suits you.
Can the implant and the graft be done in one session?
When there is enough bone to hold the implant with initial stability, yes. Otherwise the bone is built first and the implant placed after maturation.
How long do I wait before the implant?
Usually months, depending on the procedure and the size of the area. The doctor sets the date after confirming the bone has matured.
Does the graft always succeed?
Bone-building procedures are well established with generally good results, but success depends on general health, smoking and following instructions. No medical procedure is guaranteed one hundred percent.
What about smoking?
Smoking reduces blood supply and clearly raises the chance of graft failure. Stopping before the procedure and through healing is required.
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