Is bone grafting painful?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should feel no pain during treatment. Mild soreness and swelling afterward are normal and typically respond well to over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses.

How long does it take for a bone graft to heal?

Initial soft tissue healing takes one to two weeks. Full bone integration and maturation typically takes three to six months, depending on the type and size of the graft.

Is bone grafting safe?

Yes. Dental bone grafting is a well-established procedure with a high success rate. The grafting materials we use are thoroughly processed, sterilised, and biocompatible.

Do I always need a bone graft before an implant?

Not always. Whether a bone graft is needed depends on the volume and quality of your existing bone. Many patients have sufficient bone for implants without grafting. We assess this during your consultation with digital imaging.

Can a bone graft and implant be placed at the same time?

In some cases, yes—particularly with socket preservation at the time of extraction. Your dentist will determine whether simultaneous placement is appropriate based on your specific situation.

What happens if I don’t get a bone graft when recommended?

Without grafting, bone loss will continue to progress, potentially making future implant placement more difficult or impossible. The facial structure may also change over time as the jaw shrinks.

Where does the grafting material come from?

We use several types of grafting material including processed human donor bone (allograft), bovine-derived mineral (xenograft), and synthetic bone substitutes. All materials are thoroughly processed and sterilised for safety.

Can I eat normally after a bone graft?

You should eat soft foods for the first week and avoid chewing on the grafted area. Most patients gradually return to their normal diet as healing progresses.

Is bone grafting covered by insurance?

Many dental benefits plans cover bone grafting when it is part of a medically necessary treatment plan. As a non-assignment practice, we provide a detailed receipt for your benefits provider.

How do I know if I need a bone graft?

During your consultation at our Oakridge clinic, we use digital X-rays and CBCT scans to assess your bone volume. If the bone is insufficient for your planned treatment, we will discuss grafting options with you.

Do you perform bone grafting near Oakridge Mall?

Yes. Oakridge Park Dental is located in the Oakridge neighbourhood at 305–650 West 41st Avenue, just minutes from Oakridge Mall and the Canada Line station. Bone grafting is frequently performed alongside wisdom teeth extractions when the extraction site requires preservation for future implant placement.

OUR TREATMENTS

Bone Graft

Dental Bone Grafting in Vancouver BC — Rebuild Your Jaw for Implants and Long-Term Oral Health

Bone grafting is a common and highly effective dental procedure used to restore lost bone in the jaw—often in preparation for dental implants or to prevent further bone deterioration after tooth loss. At Oakridge Park Dental in the Oakridge neighbourhood near Cambie and 41st Avenue, we use advanced grafting techniques and biocompatible materials to help rebuild bone structure and support long-term oral health for patients across Vancouver.

When a tooth is lost or extracted, the surrounding jawbone begins to resorb (shrink) because it no longer receives the stimulation that the tooth root once provided. This bone loss can occur rapidly—patients can lose up to 25 percent of bone width in the first year after extraction alone. Without adequate bone volume, dental implants cannot be placed securely, and the facial structure may change over time, creating a sunken or aged appearance. Bone grafting addresses this by adding new bone material to the deficient area, creating a strong, stable foundation for future restoration.

Our experienced Vancouver dental team performs bone grafting procedures regularly and works with trusted suppliers of biocompatible grafting materials to ensure safe, predictable outcomes. Patients from Oakridge, Cambie, Marpole, Kerrisdale, South Vancouver, and the broader Lower Mainland trust our clinic for expert surgical care delivered with compassion and precision.

Whether you need bone grafting to prepare for dental implant placement, to preserve the socket after a tooth extraction, or to rebuild jawbone that has been lost due to periodontal disease, our team uses proven techniques and biocompatible materials to restore the strong foundation your smile needs.

What Is a Dental Bone Graft?

A dental bone graft is a surgical procedure that adds bone or bone-substitute material to areas of the jaw where bone has been lost or is insufficient. The grafting material serves as a scaffold that encourages your body to regenerate its own natural bone over time—a process called guided bone regeneration. As the graft integrates, new bone cells gradually replace the scaffold material, resulting in strong, living bone that can support dental implants or maintain the structural integrity of the jaw. At Oakridge Park Dental, we use several types of grafting materials depending on the clinical situation: allograft (processed human donor bone from a tissue bank), xenograft (bovine-derived mineral matrix), synthetic bone substitutes (biocompatible ceramic or polymer materials), and in select cases, autograft (bone harvested from another site in your own body). Each material has specific advantages, and our dentists will recommend the option that offers the best outcome for your particular needs.

When Is Bone Grafting Needed?

Bone grafting may be recommended in several clinical scenarios. The most common is when a patient wants dental implants but does not have sufficient bone volume to support them. Bone loss from missing teeth that have not been replaced is the primary cause—the longer a tooth has been missing, the more bone resorption occurs. Bone grafting is also indicated after tooth extraction to preserve the socket and prevent the rapid bone loss that follows (socket preservation), when periodontal (gum) disease has destroyed bone around the teeth, when the upper jaw lacks sufficient bone height near the sinuses for implant placement (requiring a sinus lift), and when trauma or injury has resulted in bone loss in the jaw. During your consultation at our Oakridge clinic, we use digital X-rays and in some cases cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans to assess your bone volume precisely and determine whether grafting is necessary.

Types of Bone Grafts We Perform

At Oakridge Park Dental, we perform several types of bone grafting procedures tailored to different clinical needs. Socket preservation (also called ridge preservation) is performed at the time of tooth extraction to prevent the bone from collapsing inward. Grafting material is placed directly into the empty socket and covered with a membrane, maintaining the bone volume for future implant placement. Sinus lift (sinus augmentation) is performed when the upper jaw lacks sufficient bone height beneath the sinus cavity. The sinus membrane is gently elevated and grafting material is placed beneath it, creating the bone volume needed for implants in the upper premolar and molar region. Ridge augmentation restores the natural width and height of the jawbone ridge when it has become too narrow or short to support implants. This may involve grafting material placed on the ridge surface and secured with a membrane or titanium mesh. Each procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, and oral sedation is available for patients who prefer a more relaxed experience.

The Healing Process

After bone grafting, the body needs time to integrate the graft material and generate new bone. The initial healing period typically takes one to two weeks, during which you may experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort that responds well to over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses. Full bone maturation—the point at which the grafted area is strong enough to support a dental implant—generally takes three to six months depending on the type and size of the graft. During this healing period, it is important to follow your post-operative instructions carefully: avoid chewing on the grafted area, eat soft foods for the first week, avoid smoking (which significantly impairs bone healing), and attend all follow-up appointments at our Oakridge clinic so we can monitor your progress. Once the graft has fully integrated, we will take new imaging to confirm adequate bone volume before proceeding with implant placement or other planned treatment.

Bone Grafting and Dental Implants

Bone grafting and dental implants go hand in hand. Implants require a minimum amount of healthy bone to achieve osseointegration—the process by which the titanium implant post fuses with the surrounding jawbone. Without sufficient bone, the implant cannot achieve the stability needed for long-term success. Many patients who have been told they are not candidates for implants due to bone loss can become candidates after successful bone grafting. At Oakridge Park Dental, we plan the grafting and implant procedures together from the outset, using digital imaging to determine exactly how much bone is needed and where it should be placed. In some cases, the bone graft and implant can be placed simultaneously (particularly with socket preservation at the time of extraction), reducing the total treatment timeline. In other cases, the graft must heal fully before the implant is placed.

Bone Grafting Cost in Vancouver

The cost of dental bone grafting in Vancouver depends on the type of graft (socket preservation, sinus lift, or ridge augmentation), the volume of grafting material required, and the complexity of the procedure. Socket preservation performed at the time of extraction is generally the most straightforward and affordable option, while sinus lifts and ridge augmentations involve more surgical time and material. During your consultation at Oakridge Park Dental, we provide a detailed treatment estimate that includes all associated costs. As a non-assignment practice, payment is collected at the time of your visit and we provide a detailed receipt that you can submit to your benefits provider for reimbursement. Many dental benefits plans cover bone grafting when it is performed as part of a medically necessary treatment plan, such as preparation for dental implants. Our Vancouver dental team has extensive experience with bone grafting procedures, from minor socket preservation grafts to more complex ridge augmentation cases. We use a variety of graft materials including human donor bone, bovine-derived mineral, and synthetic biocompatible materials, selecting the most appropriate option based on the size and location of the defect and your individual healing characteristics. For patients who require bone grafting as preparation for dental implants, we coordinate the grafting and implant placement timeline to minimise the total treatment duration while ensuring optimal bone integration and long-term implant success.

Our Process

Consultation & Advanced Imaging

We perform a thorough examination with digital X-rays or CBCT scans to assess bone volume and plan the grafting procedure.

Treatment Planning

Based on imaging results, we determine the type of graft needed, select the appropriate grafting material, and discuss the timeline with you.

Comfortable Anaesthesia & Sedation

Local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area completely. Oral sedation is available for patients who want a more relaxed experience.

Grafting Procedure

The grafting material is carefully placed in the deficient area and secured with a protective membrane to guide bone regeneration.

Healing & Integration

Over 3–6 months, your body generates new bone that integrates with the graft material, creating a strong foundation.

Follow-Up & Next Steps

We monitor healing with periodic check-ups and imaging, then proceed with dental implant placement or other planned treatment.

Why Choose Bone Graft?

Creates the bone foundation necessary for successful dental implant placement.

Preserves facial structure and prevents the sunken appearance caused by bone loss.

Prevents further bone deterioration after tooth extraction.

Restores jaw strength and stability for long-term oral health.

Uses biocompatible materials with proven safety and effectiveness.

Can often be combined with extraction or implant placement to reduce treatment time.

Convenient Oakridge location near Cambie and the Canada Line for easy access.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have been told you need a bone graft or are considering dental implants, our experienced team at Oakridge Park Dental in Vancouver’s Oakridge neighbourhood is here to help. We use the latest techniques and biocompatible materials to make the process smooth, safe, and successful—building the foundation for a healthier, more confident smile. Contact us today at 604-266-5313 to schedule your consultation and learn how bone grafting can help you achieve your dental goals. We welcome patients from across Oakridge, Cambie, Marpole, Kerrisdale, and South Vancouver for expert bone grafting treatment. Our modern clinic near Oakridge Mall is equipped with advanced imaging technology and a warm, supportive team dedicated to your comfort and successful recovery.

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