Bone changed after tooth loss
The ridge can reduce in height or width after a tooth is lost, particularly when the gap has been present for a long time.
BONE GRAFTING & SINUS LIFTS, CLEARLY EXPLAINED
Create the foundation needed for a well-positioned dental implant.
When the jaw is too narrow, too low or affected by the position of the upper sinus, grafting can rebuild the area before or during implant treatment. This guide explains the main approaches, the treatment stages, costs and questions to ask before proceeding.
3D-led planningBone height, width and sinus anatomy assessed before surgery.
Simultaneous or stagedThe sequence is chosen according to the size of the defect and implant stability.
Surgical expertiseComplex cases planned by an experienced implant and oral-surgery team.
WHY GRAFTING MAY BE RECOMMENDED
The implant needs enough bone in the right place—not simply somewhere nearby.
Bone quantity and shape affect implant position, stability and the design of the final tooth. A graft is considered only when it improves the planned foundation.
Infection or previous treatment
Long-standing infection, trauma, extraction damage or previous surgery can leave a local defect that needs reconstruction.
Upper sinus anatomy
At the back of the upper jaw, the sinus can limit the vertical bone available for a conventional implant.
Final tooth position
A graft can allow the implant to be placed where the final crown or bridge needs support, rather than compromising the restoration.
ASSESSMENT BEFORE SURGERY
Plan from the final tooth backwards.
A smile photograph cannot show bone width, sinus anatomy or the relationship between the proposed implant and nearby structures. The surgeon combines clinical examination with appropriate imaging and the restorative plan.
Explore Dental Implants →Bone height and width
The surgeon assesses whether the ridge can surround the implant in a useful position.
Sinus and neighbouring anatomy
Upper-jaw planning considers the sinus floor, nearby roots and other anatomical structures.
Gum health and soft tissue
Inflammation, gum condition and the ability to clean the final restoration are part of the decision.
Whole treatment sequence
Extractions, temporary teeth, grafting, implant placement and the final bridge or crown need one coordinated plan.
COMMON SURGICAL APPROACHES
Different defects need different solutions.
The terms can sound similar, but the surgical access, graft volume and treatment sequence can be very different.
Particulate graft / guided bone regeneration
Granular graft material is placed around a local defect and may be protected with a membrane while the area heals.
- Common for local width or contour defects
- May be completed with implant placement
- Material quantity depends on the defect
Internal sinus lift
A smaller increase in bone height is created through the implant site, usually when only a limited lift is required.
- Upper back jaw only
- Often combined with implant placement
- Requires suitable remaining bone
External sinus lift
A small window is created in the side of the upper jaw so the sinus lining can be raised and a larger graft placed beneath it.
- Used when more vertical bone is required
- Can be simultaneous or staged
- Usually adds more healing time
Onlay or block graft
A shaped piece of bone is secured to a deficient ridge so it can join with the underlying jaw before implant placement.
- Used for more pronounced ridge defects
- Often completed as a separate stage
- May use fixation screws or pins
HOW GRAFTING FITS THE IMPLANT PLAN
One appointment, two stages—or a different plan entirely.
The best route is the least complex plan that still supports a stable, maintainable restoration.
01
Simultaneous grafting and implant placement
Used when enough existing bone remains to stabilise the implant and the graft is rebuilding a smaller surrounding defect or adding limited height.
One surgical stageImplant stability is essentialHealing still needs protection
THE TREATMENT JOURNEY
From assessment to final restoration.
Your written treatment plan should show where grafting sits within the complete implant journey and how it changes visits, healing and cost.
- 1
Consultation and imaging
The dentist or surgeon assesses the mouth, reviews X-rays and arranges three-dimensional imaging when required.
- 2
Surgical and restorative plan
The team plans the implant position, graft volume, temporary teeth and final crown or bridge together.
- 3
Grafting procedure
The site is prepared, graft material is placed and protected, and the gum is closed with sutures. An implant may be placed at the same visit.
- 4
Healing and review
The area is reviewed while the graft becomes integrated. Avoiding pressure, maintaining hygiene and following instructions are important.
- 5
Implant and final teeth
Where treatment was staged, the implant is placed after the graft has matured. The final restoration follows after implant healing.
LONDON OR BUDAPEST?
Choose the route that fits the complexity of the case.
The assessment should come first. Once the surgical plan is known, you can compare the convenience of London with the wider complex-treatment structure and published prices in Budapest.
Assessment and suitable surgical treatment closer to home
London can suit local assessment, imaging, limited treatment and aftercare. Your quotation should distinguish graft material from the complete surgical procedure.
- Central London consultation
- Published bone-graft material price
- Local follow-up and maintenance
Complex surgical planning within a large implant centre
Budapest is often considered when grafting forms part of a larger implant or full-mouth plan, particularly where several coordinated surgical and restorative stages are required.
- On-site panoramic and CT imaging
- Implant, grafting and sinus-lift focus
- Restorative and laboratory teams in the same centre
CURRENT PUBLISHED PRICE REFERENCES
Understand what the headline price does—and does not—include.
Bone-grafting fees vary more than a straightforward unit price because the defect, material quantity and surgical technique are individual. The two published figures below use different pricing units.
BUDAPEST CLINIC
Bone grafting
Published starting price
A starting price rather than a fixed complete-procedure total. The written plan confirms the technique and material required.
View Budapest Prices →LONDON CLINIC
Bone-graft material
Published material unit
This is a material price, not a complete surgical fee. The amount of material and any separate procedure charges depend on the case.
View London Prices →COMPLEX SURGICAL CASES
Meet Dr Attila Kaman.
Dr Kaman is a GDC-registered dentist listed with the specialty Oral Surgery and has more than three decades of clinical experience. His work includes implant surgery, bone augmentation, sinus procedures and complex full-mouth planning across London and Budapest.
HEALING, AFTERCARE & RISK
Protect the graft while the body builds new support.
Your surgeon’s written instructions take priority because aftercare differs between a local ridge graft and a sinus-lift procedure.
Expect a recovery period
Swelling, bruising, tenderness and minor bleeding can occur. Symptoms should gradually settle rather than become progressively worse.
Avoid pressure on the site
Follow instructions about food, brushing, rinsing, dentures and physical activity so the wound and membrane are not disturbed.
Sinus precautions matter
After a sinus procedure you may be told not to blow your nose and to avoid actions that increase sinus pressure for a specified period.
Report warning signs
Contact the treating team about worsening swelling or pain, persistent bleeding, discharge, wound opening, fever or concerning sinus symptoms.
Factors that can affect healing
Smoking, uncontrolled gum disease, poor plaque control, some medicines and health conditions can increase risk or change the treatment plan. Give the surgeon a complete medical history and discuss any concern before surgery.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Bone grafting and sinus lifts: your questions answered.
This information is general. Your surgeon will explain the exact procedure, alternatives, risks and consent information for your case.
Does needing a bone graft mean I cannot have implants?
No. Low bone volume does not automatically rule out implant treatment. The surgeon may recommend a graft, a sinus-lift procedure, a different implant position or size, a full-arch approach that uses stronger areas of bone, or a non-implant alternative. The decision depends on an examination and appropriate imaging.
Can the graft and implant be completed at the same appointment?
Sometimes. A smaller defect may be grafted at the same time as implant placement when the implant can still achieve suitable stability. Larger defects or more complex sinus procedures may need a separate grafting stage followed by healing before implant placement. Your written plan should make the sequence clear.
What is the difference between bone grafting and a sinus lift?
Bone grafting is the broader term for adding or augmenting bone. A sinus lift is a specific upper-jaw procedure in which the sinus lining is gently raised to create space for graft material beneath it, usually in the premolar or molar region.
Where does the graft material come from?
Depending on the case, grafting may use a small amount of your own bone, a processed donor or animal-derived material, a synthetic substitute, or a combination. A protective membrane may also be used. The surgeon should explain the material, its source and why it is being recommended before treatment.
How long does a bone graft take to heal?
Healing varies with the size and location of the graft, the material used, your health and whether an implant is placed at the same time. A staged graft normally adds several months to implant treatment. The surgeon will confirm the expected timetable in your individual plan.
What should I expect after surgery?
Swelling, bruising, tenderness and minor bleeding can occur after grafting. Sinus procedures can also cause a temporary feeling of fullness or congestion. Follow the clinic’s written aftercare instructions, take prescribed medication as directed and contact the treating team if symptoms worsen rather than gradually improve.
What are the main risks?
Possible complications include infection, wound or membrane opening, graft exposure, insufficient new bone formation and the need for further treatment. Sinus-lift procedures also carry a risk of tearing the sinus membrane. Smoking, uncontrolled gum disease and some health conditions can increase risk.
Are there alternatives to grafting?
Potential alternatives include retaining treatable natural teeth, using a bridge or removable denture, changing the number or position of implants, using shorter or angled implants where appropriate, or choosing a different full-arch design. Not every alternative suits every mouth, so the restorative goal and available bone must be assessed together.
How much does bone grafting cost?
The Budapest price guide lists bone grafting from £110. The London price guide lists bone-graft material at £250 per ampoule. These are different pricing units and are not directly comparable complete-procedure prices. The final cost depends on the technique, quantity of material, membrane, surgical time, imaging and whether implant placement is simultaneous or staged.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Find out whether grafting is needed—and whether there is a simpler alternative.
A consultation and appropriate imaging turn general information into an individual surgical and restorative plan, with the stages and costs itemised before treatment.