Treatment at a Glance
Treatment Type
Anaesthetic
Pre-Treatment Care
Recovery Time
What is Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is the use of artificial or natural bone products to fill defects around an implant at the time of surgical placement. It acts as a temporary scaffold allowing your own bone to repair and regenerate itself, while increasing the volume and density of your jaw.
At Blackhills Dental Clinic, our specialists use an ultra-purified animal-derived product that originates from bovine (cow) bone. This material is durable, safe and has been used across the world for over 20 years, on more than 10 million patients. It acts as a temporary scaffold allowing your own bone to repair and regenerate itself. The bone graft material is covered by another animal-derived product which is porcine (pig) collagen and this protects the bone graft for the first few weeks while it is healing, before completely dissolving.
The Treatment Process
Consultation & Planning
During your initial consultation our specialist will perform a comprehensive exam, including digital scans and X-rays, to measure your bone density and volume. Doing this will allow our specialist to decide what type of graft material is best.
Choosing the Graft Material
During your appointment, our specialist will discuss your options and materials available to you before choosing a suitable material. The type of material used will depend on the amount of bone required, healing time and your overall oral health.
The Procedure
Bone grafts typically take between 45 and 90 minutes, and are performed under local anesthetic. Our specialist will begin by making a small incision in the gum in order to clean the site. They will then securely place the graft material into the bone defect. A dissolvable membrane may be placed over the graft during this stage, before the incision is closed.
Healing & Bone Integration
Healing takes up to 3 to 6 months in order for the bone to integrate fully. During this period your body will gradually replace the graft with natural bone.
Bone Grafting FAQs
1. Why do I need a bone graft?
Patients often need a bone graft if bone loss has occurred after tooth extraction, gum disease has damaged the bone or they need more bone support for a dental implant.
2. Is getting bone graft surgery painful?
Bone grafting is typically done under local anesthesia. You may feel pressure during the procedure and mild to moderate discomfort afterward.
3. How long does a bone graft take to heal?
Usually 3–6 months, depending on the size of the graft and your health.
4. What should I expect after surgery?
Although the procedure is minimally invasive, some patients can experience swelling, minor bleeding, bruising and mild soreness.
5. How long does swelling last?
Swelling typically reduces within a week of surgery.
6. Can I eat after having bong graft surgery?
Yes, although you should avoid eating crunchy, hard or spicy food for a period of time.
7. When can I get my dental implant?
Usually after the graft is fully integrated, which typically takes 3–6 months.
8. Can the implant be placed on the same day as the graft?
Sometimes, although only if there is enough existing bone. Our dentist will advise if this is possible or not.
Book Your Consultation Today
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Contact Information
5 Maidenplain Place, Aberuthven, Perthshire, PH3 1EL
8:30am to 5pm | Mon – Fri
01764 66 44 46