A tooth implant graft rebuilds bone and soft tissue so a dental implant has a stable, long-lasting home. If you’ve lost a tooth, had a failed extraction, or been told you have jaw bone loss, this post explains when a tooth implant graft is needed, what the procedure involves, and what to expect next. Read on if you want to know whether grafting will help you get a reliable, natural-looking implant.
What is a tooth implant graft?
A tooth implant graft is a procedure to add or reshape bone and gum tissue where an implant will go. Common grafting procedures include socket preservation (after extraction), ridge augmentation (widening or lifting the jaw ridge), and sinus lifts (adding height in the upper back jaw). The goal is to create enough bone volume and healthy soft tissue so the implant is stable, functions well, and looks natural.
When a tooth implant graft is typically needed
After long-term tooth loss
When a tooth is missing for months or years, the jawbone shrinks. This bone resorption can leave too little height or width for an implant. A tooth implant graft is often recommended to rebuild that lost bone before placing an implant.
Bone loss from gum disease or infection
Periodontal disease and chronic infections eat away at bone and can leave uneven ridges or defects. A graft levels and restores the area so an implant can be placed with the right support and contour.
Anatomy limits (sinus proximity, narrow ridges)
Sometimes the natural location of the sinus or a very thin jaw ridge means there isn’t enough room for a standard implant. A sinus lift or ridge augmentation creates the needed height or width so the implant will fit safely.
Types of grafts used for tooth implant grafting
Autografts use your own bone, usually from another part of the mouth or body. Allografts use donor human bone. Xenografts use animal-derived bone, and synthetic grafts use bioengineered materials. Surgeons may also use membranes, growth factors, or other biologics (including stem cell–based options) to promote faster, stronger tissue regeneration.
What to expect during the tooth implant graft procedure
Your dentist will evaluate with imaging and 3D scans and plan placement digitally. Grafting can be done at the time of tooth removal or staged before implant placement. Surgery steps include exposing the site, placing graft material, and covering with a membrane. Options for anesthesia range from local to IV sedation. Initial bone healing takes weeks to months; implants may be placed once the graft is stable.
Recovery, risks, and success rates
Expect swelling, mild pain, and some bruising for a few days. Full bone healing may take 3–6 months. Risks include infection, graft failure, or sinus complications with upper jaw grafts. Success improves with good oral hygiene, quitting smoking, and managing systemic conditions like diabetes.
Alternatives to grafting
Alternatives include short or narrow implants, angled implant techniques, or removable prosthetics. These can avoid grafting but may have trade-offs in long-term stability, chewing force, or esthetics compared to a properly grafted implant site.
How Periodontal Medicine & Surgical Specialists evaluates need for a tooth implant graft
At Periodontal Medicine & Surgical Specialists (Oakbrook Terrace and Glenview), board-certified periodontists use digital smile design, imaging diagnostics, tissue engineering, and guided implant surgery to plan grafts and implants safely. For patients considering a tooth implant graft in Oakbrook Terrace or a tooth implant graft in Glenview, care is delivered in an AAAHC-accredited surgical center with a focus on predictable, personalized results.
Questions to ask your periodontist about a tooth implant graft
Do I need a graft? Which graft type is best? What is the timeline and cost? What are the risks and success rates? How will you use digital planning and imaging to guide treatment?
Next steps
Schedule a consult with 3D imaging to determine if a tooth implant graft is right for you. An expert evaluation will tailor the plan to your health, timeline, and smile goals.