Bone grafting for dental implants rebuilds and strengthens your jawbone to support an implant and lasts many years. Bone grafting for dental implants cost varies in Vancouver and in Canada in general between 300-2500 CAD per area, depending on the amount of bone required and the complexity of the procedure. If you need dental care in Vancouver, fill out the form on this page or contact us now at 604-738-9202 to set an appointment with Dr.Alavi.
What Is Bone Grafting of Dental Implants?
A bone graft in the mouth is a dental operation that involves a dentist or specialist placing bone (or bone-like, material) in a part of your jaw that has been made fragile due to death or erosion. Your body gradually substitutes this material with its natural bone, which also forms a more solid foundation for a future dental implant.
Why Bone Grafting Is Important Before Dental Implants
Bone should be strong and stable to support dental implants and to chew and smile. In cases where the jawbone is very thin, too soft, or because of loss of teeth, a bone graft is used to restructure the region in order to provide the implant with a firm foundation.
The importance of bone grafting to dental implants is that it:
- Stimulates bone growth and supply in the area of bone placement of the implant.
- Enhances the long term successful rates of dental implants.
- Helps prevent your smile and face shape from collapsing due to loss of teeth.
- Allows the insertion of implants in places that could not have been used.
Research indicates that about 1 out of every 4 dental implants involves the use of bone grafting, and its overall success rate is high, provided it is properly done and well taken care of.
Types of Bone Grafts
Dentists use a few main types of bone grafts for dental implants, depending on your needs and health.
| Type of Bone Graft | Source | Common Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autograft | Your own bone (often from jaw) | Local defects, ridge build-up | Very biocompatible, may need second surgical site. |
| Allograft | Donor human bone, processed | Many routine implant grafts | No second site, widely used, well studied. |
| Xenograft | Animal bone (often bovine) | Sinus lifts, ridge preservation | Acts as long-lasting scaffold for new bone. |
| Alloplastic | Synthetic materials | Smaller defects, mixed with other grafts | Man-made, designed to be safe and stable. |
All of these materials act as a scaffold that your own bone cells grow into, gradually turning the area into strong, living bone that can support an implant for years. Read more about Bone Grafts and Substitutes in Dentistry.
Bone Grafting Procedure Step-by-Step
The operation is normally simple and performed under local anesthesia, where you obtain dental implants in Vancouver.
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Consultation and imaging
Your dentist checks your mouth and looks into your medical history and takes X-rays or 3D scans to check your bone height and width.
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Anesthesia
This works by making the part of the body used numb, and thus you are comfortable; some patients also opt to have light sedation in case they are anxious.
- Preparing the site
A tiny hole is created in the gum to reach the jawbone where there is none or too little bone.
- Placing the graft
There are various forms of bone graft material (bone of your personal body, bone of a donor or synthetic bone) packed gently into the area to create a ridge or sinuosity of the floor.
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Covering and suturing
Often, a thin membrane is overlaid over the graft to shield it, and the gum is stitched later on.
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Healing period
A few months later, your body gradually transforms the graft into some strong natural bone.
According to the majority of patients, the procedure can be likened to a more involved extraction or minor oral operation, and the resulting soreness can be managed. Contact us now to set an appointment at Hemlock Clinic.
Cost of Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
Bone grafting for dental implants cost is determined by:
- The size of the area and the amount of bone required.
- Type of graft material (own bone/ donor/ synthetic).
- Whether it is a small socket graft or a more extensive sinus lift.
- The place of the clinic and the experience of the surgeon.
Bone grafting cost in Canada is generally in the range of 300 to 2500 CAD per site, with simple socket grafts costing lower and the more complex ridge grafts costing higher. The graft is further expensive with full dental surgery of an implant and a crown.
At Hemlock Dental clinic, we specialize in low cost dental implants in Vancouver with straightforward processes of explaining all the components of your treatment plan.
Recovery After Bone Grafting (Timeline & Care Tips)
Dental bone graft healing is normally similar to other surgeries in the mouth.
Typical timeline:
- First 23 days: Edema and slight to moderate pain, most often responding to medication and cold packs.
- Week 1: Stitches begin to subside, painfulness subsides, and soft foods are less problematic.
- 3–6 months: The graft is now hardened and has fused with your natural bone, and is now prepared to be implanted.
Care tips:
- Smoking should be avoided because it slows down the healing process and is risky to the grafts.
- Rinse, eat, and take medicine according to the instructions of your dentist.
- Keep it clean, but do not brush on the stitches first.
- Go to all follow-up visits to have your dentist examine the progress of the graft.
Risks & Success Rate of Dental Bone Grafting
Possible risks include:
- Infection at the graft site.
- Bruising, swelling, or temporary numbness.
- Exposure or partial failure of the grafts in case the area does not heal well.
- Rare instances of the requirement for further surgery.
The positive side is that the success rate of dental bone grafts usually exceeds 95 percent in the case of a qualified practitioner and the patient adheres to the post operative guidelines. Management of complications such as smoking and uncontrolled diabetes is also a good way of maintaining high success rates.
Bone Grafting and Dental Implants: When Can the Implant Be Placed?
Whether your implant can be placed at the same time as the bone graft or later depends on how much bone is missing and how stable the area is.
- Small grafts (socket preservation): Sometimes the implant can be placed right away or after a shorter healing time.
- Larger grafts or sinus lifts: Often need a longer healing period, usually around 4–6 months before implant placement.
Your dentist will check your X-rays at follow-up visits and tell you when the bone is strong enough for dental implant surgery.
A Patient Story at Hemlock Clinic
One of our patients, Adib Esrafili, stated that:
“The clinic offers a comprehensive range of services, including general dentistry, cosmetic procedures, emergency dental care, and specialized treatments like dental implants and orthodontics. Dr. Farahnaz Alavi, the lead dentist, is particularly praised for her thoroughness and ability to explain procedures clearly, ensuring patients feel at ease during their visits.”
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants in Hemlock Dental Clinic
At Hemlock Dental Clinic in Vancouver, we combine advanced bone grafting techniques with gentle, patient. Dr Alavi and our experienced team will explain every step in simple language and create a plan that fits your needs and budget. Call us today or book your consultation online to find out if bone grafting for dental implants is right for you.
FAQ
Do all dental implants need bone grafting?
No. Some patients already have enough healthy bone, so they don’t need a graft. Your dentist will check this with X-rays or a 3D scan before planning dental implant surgery.
Is bone grafting painful?
The area is numbed during the procedure, so you should not feel pain while it’s being done. Afterward, mild to moderate soreness is normal but usually controlled with routine pain medication.
How long do I have to wait after a bone graft to get an implant?
Most patients wait between 3 and 6 months, depending on the size and location of the graft and how fast their body heals.
Can a bone graft fail?
Yes, but it is uncommon. Smoking, poor oral hygiene, uncontrolled health conditions, or putting pressure on the area too early can increase the risk.
Where can I get bone grafting and implants in Vancouver?
At Hemlock Dental Clinic in Vancouver, we offer bone grafting for dental implants and complete implant care with a focus on comfort, clear communication, and affordable options. Contact us now.
