Bone grafting for implants
Why some patients need a bone graft or sinus lift before an implant.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Broneil Ishaya, DDS (CA license #105491) · Oct 2026 · Written by the Turlock Dental Studio team
Quick answer: Some people need a bone graft before an implant because the jawbone shrinks after a tooth is lost. Grafts rebuild the area using your own bone, donor, animal-derived or synthetic material. Types include socket preservation, ridge augmentation and sinus lifts. Grafting can add months of healing before the implant is placed.
After a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area can shrink. If there isn't enough healthy bone to hold an implant, a dentist may recommend a bone graft to rebuild the area first.
What types of bone grafts are there?
- Socket preservation – graft placed at the time of extraction.
- Ridge augmentation – rebuilds width or height of the jaw.
- Sinus lift – adds bone in the upper back jaw below the sinus.
Graft material may come from the patient, a donor, an animal source, or be synthetic. Grafting can add months of healing before implant placement. Ask your dentist whether you'd need one and how it changes your timeline and fee.
Key facts
- Bone loss after extraction is common
- Several graft material types exist
- Sinus lifts are for the upper back jaw
- Grafting can add healing time
Sources
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