Bone grafting is a procedure that rebuilds or regenerates the jawbone when it has deteriorated — making it possible to place dental implants successfully. If you’ve had missing teeth for a long time, bone loss is natural and bone grafting may be necessary before implant placement.
Why Does Bone Loss Occur?
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area no longer receives stimulation from chewing. Over time, the body resorbs the unused bone, reducing both the width and height of the jaw ridge. This process accelerates with:
- Long-term missing teeth
- Gum disease (periodontitis)
- Tooth extractions without replacement
- Osteoporosis or certain medications
Types of Bone Grafts
Autogenous Graft
Bone taken from your own body (usually the chin or hip). Gold standard for integration but requires a second surgical site.
Allograft
Processed donor bone from a tissue bank. Most commonly used in dental implant procedures.
Xenograft
Bone mineral from a bovine source. Acts as a scaffold for your own bone to grow.
Alloplast
Synthetic bone graft material. Man-made and biocompatible.
The Bone Grafting Procedure
- Local anesthesia is administered for comfort
- The gum tissue is opened to expose the deficient bone
- Graft material is placed and secured
- A membrane may be placed over the graft
- The gum is sutured closed
- Healing time: 4-9 months before implant placement
Signs You May Need Bone Grafting
- Insufficient bone width or height visible on 3D CT scan
- Missing teeth for more than 2 years
- Previous tooth extraction with visible ridge shrinkage
- History of severe gum disease
- Wanting zygoma implants alternative (for severe upper jaw loss)
Recovery After Bone Grafting
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| First 3 days | Swelling, mild discomfort, soft diet |
| First 2 weeks | Gradual return to normal activities |
| 3-4 months | Bone is regenerating and maturing |
| 4-9 months | Ready for implant placement |
Alternatives to Bone Grafting
If bone grafting isn’t suitable for you, consider:
- All-on-4 implants — angled implants often avoid grafting
- Zygomatic implants — anchor in cheekbone for severe upper jaw loss
- Short implants — for areas with limited vertical bone
Cost in Bangalore
Bone grafting in Bangalore costs ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 per site, depending on the graft type and extent of bone loss. This is significantly less than international prices.
Need bone grafting before implants? Our implant specialists in Bangalore offer comprehensive evaluation. Contact us for a consultation.
