Opening times:
Monday to Saturday 9 am - 6 pm
01 444 33 70 / 087 320 1900
info@luxdent.ie
Unit A, Block A, Malthouse House,
Smithfield Village, Dublin 7, D07 HKF6
info@luxdent.ie
Unit A, Block A, Malthouse House,
Smithfield Village, Dublin 7, D07 HKF6
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants What You Need to Know
Our prices for dental implants 
Rebuilding the Foundation of Your Smile
When it comes to dental implants, one thing many people don’t expect to hear is: We need to add more bone first But bone grafting may be the essential first step toward restoring your confident, functional smile if you've experienced bone loss in your jaw—whether from missing teeth, gum disease, or injury.
At Luxdent Clinic in Dublin, we believe in guiding our patients with clarity, care, and science-backed solutions. Bone grafting may sound intimidating, but in expert hands, it’s a routine and highly successful procedure that helps create a solid foundation for long-lasting dental implants.
At Luxdent Clinic in Dublin, we believe in guiding our patients with clarity, care, and science-backed solutions. Bone grafting may sound intimidating, but in expert hands, it’s a routine and highly successful procedure that helps create a solid foundation for long-lasting dental implants.
What Is a Dental Bone Graft?
A dental bone graft is a surgical procedure that replaces missing or weakened bone in your jaw with new bone material—either from your own body, a donor, an animal source, or synthetic materials. This is often done in preparation for dental implants when the existing jawbone isn't strong or dense enough to support them.
Think of it as rebuilding the scaffolding for your future tooth. Without enough bone, implants can’t fuse properly—and that’s where grafting steps in to help.
Why It’s Done
Bone loss in the jaw is more common than most people think. It can result from:
If the jawbone has deteriorated, placing an implant directly could fail. A bone graft adds volume and density where it’s needed, restoring the jaw’s natural shape and making it ready for implant placement.
Think of it as rebuilding the scaffolding for your future tooth. Without enough bone, implants can’t fuse properly—and that’s where grafting steps in to help.
Why It’s Done
Bone loss in the jaw is more common than most people think. It can result from:
- Tooth loss (especially long-term)
- Gum disease (periodontitis)
- Infection or injury
- Developmental issues
If the jawbone has deteriorated, placing an implant directly could fail. A bone graft adds volume and density where it’s needed, restoring the jaw’s natural shape and making it ready for implant placement.
Step-by-Step: What Happens at Luxdent
At Luxdent Clinic in Dublin, we know the word “bone graft” can raise a few eyebrows (and heart rates). But relax — in the right hands, it’s a straightforward, well-planned procedure that’s over before you know it.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to exactly what happens when you come in for a bone graft at Luxdent — no surprises, no mystery.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to exactly what happens when you come in for a bone graft at Luxdent — no surprises, no mystery.
- Consultation & 3D Dental CT ScanFirst, we sit down and chat. You’ll tell us your goals, concerns, medical history — and we’ll examine your teeth and gums.
Then we take a **cone beam CT scan (CBCT)** — a 3D image that shows us your jawbone’s exact height, width, and density.
This lets us measure precisely how much bone is missing and where it needs rebuilding. - Custom Treatment PlanningUsing your scan, we create a personalised grafting plan. We’ll decide:
- The type of graft material best suited to you (autograft, allograft, xenograft, or synthetic)
- Whether you’ll need just a small socket graft or a more involved ridge augmentation or sinus lift
- Whether the implant can be placed at the same time, or in a second visit after healing
We also discuss costs, timelines, and recovery expectations — all before anything begins. - Incision & Site PreparationOnce you’re fully numb and comfy, we:
- Make a small incision in your gum to access the bone
- Gently lift the gum to expose the area that needs grafting
- Clean and prepare the site for optimal graft placement
- Graft PlacementWe place the bone graft material precisely into the area of deficiency. This might be:
- A small socket graft (if you just had a tooth removed)
- A larger block graft (for more extensive loss)
- Or a sinus lift if we're working in the upper back jaw
Sometimes we use tiny membranes or collagen barriers to stabilise the graft and encourage bone regeneration — think of it like wrapping the new foundation in scaffolding. - Closure & Healing BeginsOnce the graft is in place, we carefully:
- Reposition the gum tissue
- Suture (stitch) it closed — often with dissolvable stitches
- Apply any healing or antibacterial solutions as needed
And that’s it! You’re off to heal — usually with just mild swelling or discomfort for a few days. - Follow-Up & Implant TimingWe’ll see you back after 1–2 weeks to check healing, remove stitches if needed, and answer questions.
Full healing of the grafted bone usually takes 3–6 months, depending on the type of graft and location. After that, you’re ready for your dental implant placement — now with solid bone to support it.
Preparing for Surgery: Your Pre-Op Checklist
Here’s your Luxdent-approved pre-op checklist so you can walk into your bone graft appointment feeling calm, confident, and ready to heal like a champ.
- Review Your Medications — Especially Blood ThinnersBlood-thinning medications (like aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel, or certain herbal supplements) can increase bleeding during surgery.
Let us know in advance about all medications and supplements you’re taking — even over-the-counter ones. - Stop Smoking — SeriouslySmoking is a bone graft’s worst enemy. It reduces blood flow, delays healing, and increases the risk of graft failure.
We strongly recommend quitting smoking at least one week before and for 2–4 weeks after your procedure. - Pick Up Any Prescribed Medications in AdvanceWe may prescribe:
- Antibiotics (to prevent infection)
- Pain relief (usually a mild prescription or OTC)
- Anti-inflammatories or mouth rinse
Grab them before surgery day so you're fully stocked and stress-free when you get home. - Dress Comfortably & Keep the Day Clear
- Avoid makeup, strong perfumes, or jewellery.
- Clear your schedule — take the full day to rest and recover (you've earned it!).
Recovery & Aftercare Instructions:
Here’s everything you need to know to recover comfortably, protect your new graft, and get ready for your dental implant down the line.
Stick to Soft Foods (Your Jaw Will Thank You)
Eat:
Avoid:
Keep It Clean — But Gently!
Your mouth is healing, so hygiene is key. But easy does it.
Day of surgery: Don’t rinse or brush near the area. Let the clot settle.
Day after: Start gently rinsing with lukewarm salt water (¼ teaspoon in a glass) 3–4x daily, especially after meals.
Use a soft toothbrush on other teeth, but avoid the graft site.
If prescribed a medicated rinse (like chlorhexidine), use it as directed.
Do NOT poke, prod, or try to “check on” the graft site. It’s not a DIY project.
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt and smoothies (no straws!)
- Soups (not boiling hot)
- Cooked pasta, rice, oatmeal
Avoid:
- Crunchy foods (nuts, crisps, toast)
- Sticky foods (toffee, gum)
- Hard veggies or chewy meats
- Anything spicy or acidic early on
Keep It Clean — But Gently!
Your mouth is healing, so hygiene is key. But easy does it.
Day of surgery: Don’t rinse or brush near the area. Let the clot settle.
Day after: Start gently rinsing with lukewarm salt water (¼ teaspoon in a glass) 3–4x daily, especially after meals.
Use a soft toothbrush on other teeth, but avoid the graft site.
If prescribed a medicated rinse (like chlorhexidine), use it as directed.
Do NOT poke, prod, or try to “check on” the graft site. It’s not a DIY project.
FAQs About Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
It depends on the type and size of the graft, but most patients can expect a healing time of 3 to 6 months before implant placement.
At Luxdent, we use follow-up 3D imaging to ensure your jawbone is fully ready before moving to the implant stage. We don't guess — we verify.
- Small socket grafts (e.g., after a recent extraction) may only need 3–4 months.
- Larger ridge augmentations or sinus lifts often take 6 months or more to fully integrate.
At Luxdent, we use follow-up 3D imaging to ensure your jawbone is fully ready before moving to the implant stage. We don't guess — we verify.
Sometimes — but only in very specific situations.
Known as immediate implant placement, this is only possible when:
This approach reduces treatment time, but isn’t for everyone. At Luxdent, we assess your case carefully to balance speed with long-term success.
Known as immediate implant placement, this is only possible when:
- Bone loss is minimal
- The graft is small and stable enough to support the implant immediately
- There are no infections or complications present
This approach reduces treatment time, but isn’t for everyone. At Luxdent, we assess your case carefully to balance speed with long-term success.
Graft failure is rare, especially when properly done, but it can happen. Watch out for:
If you notice any of these signs, call us immediately. Early intervention can often fix the issue and save the graft.
- Persistent or worsening pain or swelling after the first few days
- Pus, bad taste, or signs of infection
- Visible graft material coming through the gum
- A loose implant or tooth in the area (once placed)
- Gums not healing over the graft site
If you notice any of these signs, call us immediately. Early intervention can often fix the issue and save the graft.
LUXDENT
Bone grafting might sound like a big step — but in the world of modern dentistry, it’s a routine, safe, and transformative part of preparing your smile for long-lasting dental implants. Luxdent Clinic in Dublin is here to guide you every step of the way. From advanced imaging to expert care and personalised treatment plans, we make sure your foundation is strong — so your smile can be too.
LUXDENT
Book appointment or ask your question about our services
Dental clinic in Dublin
Contact us:
Ph: 01 444 3370 / 087 320 1900
E: info@luxdent.ie
Ph: 01 444 3370 / 087 320 1900
E: info@luxdent.ie
Related articles
Privacy policy
