Do You Need Bone Grafting for Dental Implants? A Local Guide for East Brisbane Patients
Bone grafting is sometimes needed to support a long-lasting implant — but smart planning can often reduce or avoid it. Here’s how grafts work, healing timelines, and how EasyCare uses 3-D planning to create predictable results.
EasyCare Family Dental • Suite 103/33 Lytton Road, East Brisbane QLD 4169 • After-hours: 0478 000 333
Why Bone Grafts Are Sometimes Needed
After a tooth is lost, the jawbone can shrink (resorb). If the bone is too thin or low, an implant may lack stability or ideal positioning. A bone graft adds or rebuilds volume so the implant can be placed safely and aligned with your future crown.
- Restore width/height after long-standing tooth loss
- Protect nearby anatomy (nerves, sinuses)
- Improve aesthetics and hygiene access around the crown
Common Situations
- Back upper teeth near the sinus
- Thin ridges in the front tooth area
- Defects after infection or trauma
- Sockets with damaged walls after extraction
We’ll assess with photos, digital scans and 3-D imaging (CBCT) to decide if grafting is beneficial.
Main Types of Bone Grafts
- Socket preservation – graft placed at the time of extraction to maintain volume for a future implant.
- Ridge augmentation – builds up thin/deficient ridges (may use a membrane; sometimes a small block graft).
- Sinus lift – raises the sinus floor to allow adequate implant length in the upper back jaw (internal or lateral approach).
- Materials – particulate grafts (e.g., allograft/xenograft/synthetic) or autografts (your own bone) depending on the case.
Healing & Treatment Timelines
- Socket preservation: implant often placed after ~8–12 weeks (case-dependent).
- Ridge augmentation: allow ~3–6 months before implant placement.
- Sinus lift: ~4–9 months depending on technique/volume and healing.
- Implant integration: once placed, expect ~8–16 weeks before the final crown (varies by site/quality).
Timelines vary by biology and complexity. You’ll receive a written, itemised plan and schedule.
How EasyCare Uses 3-D Planning to Minimise Grafts
- CBCT mapping: measures bone in 3-D to select safe implant sizes/positions.
- Restoration-first planning: align the implant with the ideal crown for function and hygiene.
- Guided surgery: printed surgical guides help place implants precisely.
- Immediate strategies: where appropriate, immediate placement in the extraction socket to preserve volume.
- Contemporary options: narrow or tapered implants in select sites to avoid large grafts.
Our goal is predictability and comfort — using grafts only when they provide clear, long-term benefit.
Comfort, Safety & Payment Options
- Local anaesthetic and gentle techniques
- Clear aftercare and review appointments
- Itemised quotes; health fund rebates may apply
- Flexible payment plans available
Case Snapshot: “Michael, 42, East Brisbane”
Challenge: missing upper molar with limited bone height near the sinus.
Plan: CBCT-guided internal sinus lift with simultaneous implant placement and a protective healing cap.
Outcome: uneventful healing and a well-positioned implant. Final crown restored chewing comfort on that side.
Local, Convenient Care Above IGA
Suite 103/33 Lytton Road, East Brisbane QLD 4169 • Free on-site parking • Minutes from Kangaroo Point, Woolloongabba & Norman Park.
Bone Grafting FAQs
Is a bone graft always required before implants?
No. Many sites have enough bone. Others can be managed with immediate placement or a minor graft — your 3-D scan guides the decision.
Will a bone graft hurt?
It’s done under local anaesthetic. Expect some soreness or swelling for a few days; we’ll provide tailored aftercare.
How long until I get the crown?
After grafting, we generally allow months for healing before placing the implant; then another period for the implant to integrate before the final crown.
What materials are used?
We use trusted, biocompatible materials (including your own bone in some cases). We’ll explain choices and obtain consent.
Serving East Brisbane & Surrounds
Considering Implants — Not Sure About Bone Grafting?
Let us scan, plan and explain — so you know exactly what to expect. With EasyCare 3-D planning, we aim for the least invasive, most predictable path to your new tooth.
