What is the purpose of a bone graft before a dental implant?

The bone graft increases the available bone volume to allow a solid anchoring of the implant. It is necessary when bone resorption (after extraction, periodontitis or trauma) has reduced the bone below the required minimum (8 mm in height, 4-5 mm in width).

How many patients need a bone graft?

About 1 patient in 3 requires a bone graft before their dental implant. The need is determined by a 3D scan at the initial consultation. The other 2/3 can receive the implant directly, or benefit from graft-free alternatives (short implants such as Bicon, All-on-4 with tilted implants).

How much does a dental bone graft cost?

A classic onlay graft costs 2,000-5,000 ₪. The sticky bone technique (biological graft with PRF): 2,500-6,000 ₪. A sinus lift (graft specific to the upper jaw): 4,000-8,000 ₪. Guided bone regeneration for complex defects: 4,000-10,000 ₪.

What is the timeframe between a bone graft and implant placement?

You must wait 4 to 6 months after a classic onlay graft before placing the implant, and 6 to 9 months after a sinus lift. Complete bone healing is necessary to ensure a solid anchoring. In certain favorable cases, graft and implant can be performed on the same day.

Is a bone graft painful?

No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia (conscious sedation possible). Post-operatively: moderate swelling for 3-5 days, relieved by ice and anti-inflammatories. Soft food for 1 week. Soft-tissue healing at 2 weeks.

Are there alternatives to a bone graft?

Yes. Three alternatives exist: short implants (Bicon SHORT 5-8 mm) that adapt to low bone heights; the All-on-4 protocol that uses implants tilted at 30-45° to avoid resorbed areas; and zygomatic implants anchored in the cheekbone for severe jaw resorption.

Why not wait before getting an implant?

The more time passes after tooth loss, the more the bone resorbs: 50% of the bone volume disappears in the first year. A later graft then becomes more likely, more complex and more costly. An implant assessment as soon as possible helps avoid resorption.

Bone graft before dental implant: full guide

In short: about 1 patient in 3 needs a bone graft before their dental implant, that is, when the residual bone volume is insufficient to firmly anchor the titanium root. The 3D scan performed at the initial consultation precisely determines the need. There are several techniques (sticky bone, sinus lift, onlay graft), variable prices, and sometimes graft-free alternatives using short or tilted implants.

Why can you be short of bone?

The jawbone works like a muscle: it needs to be stimulated to maintain itself. When a tooth falls out or is extracted, the root no longer sends signals to the surrounding bone, which then begins to resorb.

The main causes of bone loss:

Old extraction without replacement: resorption begins within the first 6 months and reaches 50% of the volume within 1 year
Periodontitis: gum disease destroys the bone that supports the teeth
Dental trauma: impact with root fracture or loss of the tooth
Prolonged use of a removable denture: pressure from the denture accelerates the underlying resorption
Old cyst or infection that destroyed the local bone

How to know if you need a graft?

The diagnosis is made with a 3D scan at the initial consultation. It is a quick (5 minutes), non-invasive exam that gives a precise volumetric view of your available bone.

The minimum thresholds to place an implant without a graft:

Bone height: ≥ 8 mm (the standard implant is 8-12 mm long)
Bone width: ≥ 4-5 mm (so that 1 mm of bone remains around the implant)
Distance to the sinus / nerve: sufficient so as not to perforate these structures

Below these values, several options are available to you.

The main bone grafting techniques

1. The onlay graft (classic bone grafting)

Graft material (autogenous bone taken from the patient, secured bovine bone, or synthetic substitute) is added onto the bony ridge. A membrane covers the area to promote regeneration.

Indications: localized lack of width or height. Timeframe: 4-6 months before implant placement. Price: 2,000-5,000 ₪.

2. Sticky bone (biological graft)

A recent technique where the graft material is mixed with platelet-rich fibrin taken from the patient (PRF). The mixture becomes pasty and sticky, hence the name, and accelerates healing while reducing post-operative inflammation.

Indications: ideal for filling grafts and regeneration around extractions. Price: 2,500-6,000 ₪ depending on volume. Discover the sticky bone technique at Dental Harmonia.

3. The sinus lift (sinus graft)

Specific to the posterior upper jaw. The maxillary sinus (air cavity above the molars) is lifted to create space beneath it, where graft material is added.

Indications: lack of height in the area of the upper molars. Timeframe: 6-9 months depending on the technique. Price: 4,000-8,000 ₪ per sinus.

4. Guided bone regeneration (GBR)

A combination of graft material and barrier membranes (resorbable or not) to rebuild larger defects.

Indications: complex defects, reconstruction of severely resorbed ridges. Price: 4,000-10,000 ₪.

Recovery after a bone graft

A modern bone graft is not very painful thanks to local anesthesia and pain-relief protocols. To expect:

Moderate swelling for 3-5 days, relieved by ice and anti-inflammatories
Soft and cold food for 1 week
Preventive antibiotics for 7-10 days
No intense physical exertion for 10-14 days
Soft-tissue healing at 2 weeks, bone healing at 4-6 months

The success rate of a modern bone graft exceeds 95% in healthy non-smoking patients. The main failure factors: smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, insufficient oral hygiene.

Alternatives to a bone graft

Good news: it is sometimes possible to avoid the graft with alternative techniques:

1. Short implants

Implants 5 to 8 mm long (versus the classic 10-13 mm) that adapt to situations of low bone height. The Bicon brand is the world reference in this field. Learn more about the Bicon implant.

2. The All-on-4 and its tilted implants

For complete edentulism, the All-on-4 protocol tilts the posterior implants at 30-45°, which avoids resorbed areas and makes it possible to place full arches without a graft in most cases.

3. Zygomatic implants

For extreme cases of severe resorption of the upper jaw, long implants (up to 50 mm) are anchored in the zygomatic bone (cheekbone). A heavy surgical technique, reserved for very specific indications.

Cost of a graft added to the implant quote

For a patient requiring a graft before their implant, the typical overall quote:

Implant + abutment + crown: 6,000-12,000 ₪
Classic onlay graft: +2,000-5,000 ₪
Sticky bone: +2,500-6,000 ₪
Sinus lift: +4,000-8,000 ₪

The graft also extends the treatment timeframe by 4 to 9 months before implant placement.

The right reflex: never wait

If you have lost a tooth or if an extraction is planned, don't wait to assess your implant options. The more time passes, the more the bone resorbs, and the more likely, longer and more costly a later graft becomes.

The X-ray + 3D scan assessment at Dental Harmonia takes 30 minutes and gives you a precise mapping of your situation, with several costed scenarios. It is free and with no obligation.

To get started: WhatsApp +972 58 702 09 14, 03-760-9000, or the appointment form.

Do you need a bone graft before a dental implant? The guide to understanding