Do you need bone grafting for a dental implant?

Last reviewed: April 2026 · Based on current clinical protocols at DenCos, Hoofddorp

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that rebuilds jawbone lost after tooth extraction, periodontitis, or trauma. It creates the stable foundation of bone that a dental implant needs to anchor securely and last long-term. According to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 50% of patients who need dental implants require some form of bone augmentation first. At DenCos in Hoofddorp, all bone grafting procedures are performed by Dr. Gang Wu (BIG 29918905102) — a registered periodontist and implantologist who handles bone reconstruction and implant placement under one roof.

This article explains why bone grafting is needed, the different types of grafts, what the procedure involves, and what to expect during recovery.

Why does jawbone loss happen?

The jawbone depends on the stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its volume and density. When a tooth is lost or extracted, that stimulation stops and the bone begins to resorb. The Cleveland Clinic reports that the jawbone can lose up to 25% of its volume in the first year after tooth loss, with continued resorption over time.

Common causes of jawbone loss include:

• Tooth extraction — the most common cause. Bone resorption begins immediately after extraction.
• Periodontitis — chronic gum disease destroys the bone that supports teeth. Patients with a history of periodontitis often have significant bone loss by the time they seek implant treatment.
• Trauma or injury — accidents that damage the jaw can result in bone loss.
• Long-term denture use — removable dentures do not stimulate bone and can accelerate resorption over years.
• Tooth loss without replacement — the longer a gap remains without a tooth or implant, the more bone is lost.

At DenCos, Dr. Gang Wu evaluates bone volume using 3D CBCT scans before any implant planning. This precise imaging reveals exactly how much bone is available and whether grafting is needed — eliminating guesswork and ensuring the right treatment plan from the start.

What types of bone grafts are used?

Several types of graft materials are available, each with specific advantages depending on the clinical situation.

By material source

By procedure type

• Socket preservation — graft material is placed immediately after tooth extraction to prevent bone loss. This is the most proactive approach and simplifies future implant placement.
• Sinus lift (sinus augmentation) — bone is added to the upper jaw in the area of the premolars and molars, where the sinus floor is close to the jawbone. This is one of the most common bone grafting procedures for upper jaw implants.
• Ridge augmentation — builds up the width or height of the jawbone ridge when it has become too narrow or short for implant placement.
• Block graft — a block of bone (usually autograft) is transplanted to rebuild a large defect. Secured with screws, it integrates over 4–6 months.

At DenCos, Dr. Wu selects the graft type and material based on the size, location, and cause of the bone defect. He discusses all options with you, including the expected healing time and whether the implant can be placed simultaneously with the graft.

What does the bone grafting procedure involve?

The procedure varies depending on the type of graft, but the general steps are consistent.

Before the procedure

• 3D CBCT scan to map the bone defect precisely
• Medical history review — certain medications (e.g., bisphosphonates) may require special precautions
• Treatment plan discussion including graft type, timeline, and cost

During the procedure

• Local anaesthesia numbs the treatment area completely
• The gum is gently opened to expose the bone defect
• Graft material is placed into and around the defect
• A biocompatible membrane may be placed over the graft to protect it and guide bone regeneration
• The gum is closed with sutures

The procedure typically takes 45–90 minutes depending on complexity. For socket preservation (performed immediately after extraction), the grafting adds only 10–15 minutes to the extraction procedure.

Simultaneous vs. staged approach

In some cases, Dr. Wu can place the implant at the same time as the bone graft — this is called a simultaneous approach and reduces the number of surgeries and overall treatment time. This is possible when:

• The existing bone provides enough primary stability for the implant
• The bone defect is relatively small
• The graft is supplementing rather than replacing bone

When the defect is large or the bone is insufficient for initial implant stability, a staged approach is used — the graft heals for 3–6 months before the implant is placed.

What does recovery look like?

Recovery from bone grafting is similar to implant surgery recovery and follows a predictable timeline.

First week

• Swelling peaks at 48–72 hours and gradually subsides — ice packs help in the first 24 hours
• Discomfort is mild to moderate, managed with ibuprofen and paracetamol
• Soft diet for the first 5–7 days — avoid chewing near the graft site
• No brushing on the surgical area; use prescribed chlorhexidine rinse instead
• Avoid smoking, drinking through straws, and strenuous exercise

Weeks 2–4

• Sutures removed or dissolved at 7–10 days
• Swelling and discomfort largely resolved
• Gradual return to normal diet (still avoiding hard foods near the graft)
• Gentle brushing around the site can resume

Months 3–6

• Bone graft integrates with natural bone (monitored via X-ray)
• Once integration is confirmed, implant placement can proceed
• For sinus lifts, the healing period is typically 4–6 months
• For socket preservation, healing is often 3–4 months

At DenCos, Dr. Wu schedules follow-up appointments at 1 week, 6–8 weeks, and before implant placement to monitor healing. The same structured aftercare approach used for implant recovery applies to bone grafting.

What is a sinus lift?

A sinus lift (sinus augmentation) is the most common bone grafting procedure for the upper jaw. It is needed when the sinus floor sits too close to the jawbone ridge, leaving insufficient bone height for implant placement in the premolar or molar area.

How it works

• The sinus membrane is gently lifted upward
• Bone graft material is packed into the space between the jawbone and the lifted sinus membrane
• The graft heals over 4–6 months, creating new bone height
• Once healed, implants can be placed into the augmented bone

Who needs a sinus lift?

• Patients who lost upper back teeth long ago and have experienced significant bone resorption
• Patients whose natural sinus anatomy leaves limited bone height
• Patients with bone loss from periodontitis in the upper jaw

At DenCos, Dr. Gang Wu uses CBCT imaging to measure the exact distance between the jawbone ridge and the sinus floor. If this distance is less than 8–10 mm, a sinus lift is typically recommended before implant placement.

How much does bone grafting cost in the Netherlands?

Costs vary depending on the type and extent of grafting:

Dutch basic health insurance does not cover bone grafting for dental implants. Supplementary dental insurance may cover part of the cost. At DenCos, Dr. Wu provides a complete cost breakdown before treatment, including graft materials, surgical fees, and follow-up care. There are no hidden costs.

The DenCos advantage: bone grafting and implant placement under one roof

At many practices, bone grafting is performed by one specialist and the implant is placed by another — requiring separate appointments, separate records, and coordination between offices. At DenCos, Dr. Gang Wu performs both procedures. This integrated approach offers:

• Continuity — the specialist who rebuilds your bone also places and maintains the implant
• Efficiency — fewer appointments and no referral delays
• Precision — the graft is planned with the future implant position in mind from day one
• Periodontal expertise — as a periodontist, Dr. Wu ensures that gum health is optimised alongside bone health

For patients in Hoofddorp, Haarlemmermeer, Haarlem, Amsterdam, Amstelveen, and surrounding areas, this one-stop model saves time and delivers better outcomes.

Next step

Been told you need bone grafting before an implant? Or lost a tooth and want to prevent bone loss? The sooner you act, the less bone is lost and the simpler the treatment.

Book a consultation at DenCos in Hoofddorp, or call us at 023-792 0463. Dr. Gang Wu will assess your bone with 3D imaging, explain your options, and create a clear treatment plan with transparent pricing. Appointments available Tuesday through Thursday until 18:30.