Dental Bone Graft on Main Street, Vancouver
Stop bone loss before it affects your jaw and bite. Book your free consultation today.
What Is a Dental Bone Graft?
A dental bone graft is a procedure that rebuilds areas of the jawbone that have weakened or shrunk, usually due to tooth loss, gum disease, or injury. Bone material is placed at the affected site to encourage new bone growth and restore strength and volume over time. This creates a stable, healthy foundation for your jaw and supports better long-term oral health
See the Difference a Bone Graft Makes
Toggle between an untreated bone ridge and one restored with a bone graft.
Untreated Bone Loss
Notice the dip in the bone ridge where the tooth used to be. Without treatment, this bone continues to shrink over time, limiting future treatment options.
Illustration for demonstration purposes to explain the general concept of bone loss and grafting. Your own X-rays and treatment plan may look different. A dentist can give you a clear picture with an exam.
Why Does Jawbone Loss Happen?
The most common cause is tooth loss. Once a tooth is removed or lost, the surrounding bone begins shrinking within months due to a lack of stimulation. Other causes include advanced gum disease (periodontitis), trauma or injury, long-term denture use, and infections. Over time, bone loss can affect facial contours and put neighbouring teeth at risk.
Types of Dental Bone Grafts
There are several types of dental bone grafts, each designed for a specific purpose. Your treatment will depend on how much bone has been lost and where support is needed.
Socket Preservation Graft
A socket preservation bone graft in Vancouver is placed immediately after a tooth extraction. It maintains the natural shape and volume of the bone, which prevents collapse and prepares the site for a future implant.
Ridge Augmentation
When the jawbone has already shrunk, ridge augmentation rebuilds its width or height. This is essential for patients who need more structure before implant placement.
Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation)
A sinus lift bone graft in Vancouver is used for upper jaw implants. It adds bone beneath the sinus cavity and creates enough depth for stable implant placement.
Periodontal Bone Graft
This type of graft is used to treat bone loss caused by gum disease. It can stabilize teeth and prevent further deterioration.
Graft Material Types
Bone graft materials vary depending on your needs. All materials used are safe, clinically tested, and designed to integrate naturally with your bone.
Autograft
uses your own bone
Xenograft
is derived from animal sources (commonly bovine)
You may need bone grafting for dental implants in Vancouver if you have:
- Insufficient bone height or width seen on imaging
- A missing tooth for a long period
- Noticeable changes in facial structure (sunken appearance)
- Bone loss due to gum disease or infection
- A recent tooth extraction without socket preservation
Timing matters. A bone graft after tooth extraction in Vancouver can prevent more complex procedures later. At Vancouver Main Dentist, we assess your implant candidacy using advanced CT imaging during your free consultation to determine the best approach.
Procedure Timeline
Initial Consultation
Comprehensive examination and CT scan to assess bone loss and determine treatment plan
Procedure Day
Bone graft material is placed in the affected area under local anesthesia
Healing Period
3-6 months of osseointegration where new bone forms and integrates with existing bone
Implant Placement
Once healing is complete, dental implants can be placed in the rebuilt bone
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Adults with sufficient bone loss for implant placement
- Patients committed to good oral hygiene
- Non-smokers or those willing to quit during healing
- Those in good overall health
- Patients seeking long-term dental restoration
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions our patients ask most often. Don’t see yours? Give us a call.
01 Is a bone graft painful?
No. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during treatment. Mild swelling or discomfort afterward is normal and manageable with medication.
02 How long does it take to heal?
Initial healing takes about 1 to 2 weeks, while full bone integration can take 3 to 6 months depending on the graft size and your body’s healing response.
03 What type of bone graft material is used?
We use safe, biocompatible graft materials suited to your specific needs, which your dentist will discuss with you during your consultation.
04 Will I need a bone graft before getting implants?
Not always. A bone graft is only needed if you don’t have enough jawbone density to support an implant. We’ll assess this during your exam.
05 Is bone grafting covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover bone grafting when it’s medically necessary. We can help verify your benefits before treatment begins.