--- title: "Bone Graft for Dental Implants: Sinus Lifts and Healing Time" description: "Will you need a bone graft before a dental implant? Learn why bone is missing, how grafts and sinus lifts work, the healing stages and risks." url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/bone-grafts-and-sinus-lifts publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- # Bone grafts and sinus lifts for dental implants You may need a bone graft if your jawbone is too thin or soft to hold an implant. Cleveland Clinic says initial recovery takes about a week, the graft needs at least three months to heal, and a large graft can take nine to 12 months. A sinus lift adds bone in the upper back jaw. GuideUpdated October 26, 20268 min read 1. 1 ## Bone must hold the implant Mayo Clinic says that if the jawbone is not thick enough or is too soft, a graft may be needed before implant surgery. 2. 2 ## Healing takes months Cleveland Clinic says the graft needs at least three months to heal. A large graft can take nine to 12 months. 3. 3 ## A sinus lift adds height A sinus lift raises the sinus floor and adds bone in the upper back jaw. It is used when there is not enough bone for an implant. 4. 4 ## Most people report mild discomfort Cleveland Clinic says most people who have bone grafts report little to no pain. Swelling and bruising are common for a week or two. ## Will I need a bone graft before a dental implant? You might. An implant needs enough healthy bone to hold it. Mayo Clinic says that if your jawbone is not thick enough or is too soft, you may need bone grafting before implant surgery. The reason is simple: the chewing action puts great pressure on the bone. If the bone cannot support the implant, the surgery would likely fail. Not everyone needs one. Mayo Clinic says that in some cases you may need only minor grafting, and your dentist can do it at the same time as the implant surgery. The condition of your jawbone decides how to proceed. The exam tells you. Your dentist will take X-rays and may order a 3D scan to measure the height and width of the bone. Town Center Dental’s [technology page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/technology) lists a cone beam CT scan among its tools. Our [dental implants guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-implants-guide) shows where a graft fits in the full sequence. ## Why is bone missing in the first place? Bone shrinks when it is no longer used. Teeth keep the jawbone busy with every bite. When a tooth is lost, the bone around it can thin over time. Cleveland Clinic says dental bone grafts are commonly placed before implant surgery, or when bone loss negatively affects your oral health. Common reasons for bone loss include: - **A tooth was removed or lost.** A graft can fill an empty tooth socket after an extraction. Cleveland Clinic lists this use. - **Gum disease.** Cleveland Clinic says grafts can treat bone loss caused by infections such as gum disease. - **Injury.** A graft can repair bone damaged by dental trauma. - **Time without a tooth.** A review in Cureus says that when upper back teeth are lost, bone can shrink in two ways: the normal remodeling that follows tooth loss, and the sinus growing downward toward the ridge. Both reduce the bone available for an implant. Our guide on [tooth extraction aftercare](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/tooth-extraction-aftercare) covers the days after a tooth is removed, which can include a socket graft. ## What is a bone graft, and what is it made of? A bone graft adds material to a thin or empty area of the jaw. Cleveland Clinic explains that the graft holds space so your own body can do the repair work. It acts like a scaffold on which your own bone tissue can grow and regenerate. The graft material is usually a powder, and a membrane may cover it. The glossary has an entry on [bone grafting](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bone-grafting). Cleveland Clinic lists four sources of graft material: Type What it is Autogenous Your own bone, taken from another area of your body. Allograft Human bone from a licensed donor bank. Xenograft Animal-derived bone from a licensed donor bank. Cow and pig bone are common. Alloplast A lab-made bone substitute. Hydroxyapatite, a natural mineral, is one example. Your dentist will talk with you about which material fits your case. Cleveland Clinic notes that a bone graft can also rebuild the jaw before dentures and support loose teeth, so the same material has more than one use. ## What kinds of bone graft procedures are there for implants? Three are common. They fit different problems. The first two come from Cleveland Clinic, and the third from the Cureus review. Procedure What it does When it is used [Socket preservation](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/socket-preservation-ridge-preservation) Fills the empty socket after a tooth is removed. To keep bone in place for a future implant. Ridge augmentation Increases the width and volume of the jawbone. When the ridge is too thin for an implant. [Sinus lift](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/sinus-lift) Raises the sinus floor and adds bone under it. When there is limited bone in the upper back jaw. ## What is a sinus lift? A sinus lift adds bone in the upper back jaw where the sinus sits close to the ridge. The maxillary sinus is the air space above the upper back teeth. When bone under it is thin, an implant could poke into the sinus. A lift makes room. The Cureus review says a maxillary sinus lift is indicated when an implant is needed in the back of the upper jaw and there is limited bone to hold it. It says the procedure is generally indicated when the remaining bone is 10 mm or less in height. There are two basic methods: 1. **Lateral window.** The dentist makes a small opening in the side wall of the sinus, lifts the sinus lining, and fills the space with graft material. The review says it is suited to cases with more bone loss. 2. **Crestal (osteotome) approach.** The dentist lifts the sinus floor from the ridge where the implant will go. The review says it is preferred when more than 5 mm of bone height is present, and that it is less invasive. A 3D scan before the procedure shows the sinus lining, the bone height and the blood vessels. The review says careful scan evaluation can reduce the chances of complications. Cleveland Clinic lists lifting the sinuses as a use of bone grafting that is needed before implants in some situations. ## What happens during a bone graft? The steps vary by site. Cleveland Clinic lists the usual outline: 1. The dentist numbs the area with local anesthetic. 2. A cut is made in the gum, and the gum is moved away from the bone. 3. The area is cleaned and disinfected. 4. The graft material is placed where bone is missing. 5. A membrane covers the graft to protect it. Many membranes dissolve on their own. Others do not, and may be removed at a follow-up visit. 6. The gum is repositioned and closed with stitches. In some cases the dentist adds platelet-rich plasma, made from a sample of your own blood, to help healing. Cleveland Clinic calls a bone graft a relatively minor procedure, and says most people report little to no pain. Town Center Dental’s [bone grafting page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/bone-grafting) describes its own approach, and your dentist will go over what to expect. ## How long does healing take? Healing has two parts: the first days, then the months while the bone grows. The table shows Cleveland Clinic’s timeline. Stage What to expect Time First days Tenderness, swelling and bruising. Small grains of graft material may come out. About a week for initial recovery. Side effects fade in a week or two. Graft heals New bone forms in and around the graft. At least three months Large graft A bigger area takes longer to fill. Nine to 12 months Implant placement Cleveland Clinic advises placing the implant within six to 12 months after the graft heals. Otherwise the graft may shrink and lose density. After healing Once the implant goes in, the bone must fuse to it. Cleveland Clinic says that step takes three to nine months. Added together, graft healing and implant healing can come to many months, and longer for a large graft. A small graft done at the same time as the implant adds less time. After a sinus lift, your dentist will tell you how long to wait before the implant, based on the site and the material. ## What are the risks of a bone graft or sinus lift? Grafts are common but carry risks. Cleveland Clinic says dental bone grafts are generally done routinely, and that about 2.2 million are placed worldwide each year. As with any surgery, the risks include: - Anesthesia complications. - Infection. - Nerve damage. - Severe bleeding. - Graft failure. Cleveland Clinic says failure is possible, especially among people who smoke or have certain medical conditions. The Cureus review says the most common problem during a sinus lift is a tear in the sinus lining. It reports that this happens in 20 to 44 percent of cases with the lateral window approach. Other problems it lists include swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection of the area or the sinus, sinusitis, graft loss and a lost implant. The review says that if the procedure has to stop, another attempt should wait four to six months. Signs that a graft is not healing well include pain or swelling that gets worse after the first week, pus or drainage, gums pulling back, and no gain in bone. Call your dentist if you have a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius) or higher, increasing swelling, pus or severe pain. Cleveland Clinic lists these signs. Mayo Clinic says to go to an emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or if you have a fever and facial swelling and cannot reach your dentist. ## How do I care for the area after a graft? Follow your dentist’s instructions first. Cleveland Clinic lists general guidance. **Do:** - Apply ice packs to the outer jaw to reduce swelling. - Eat soft foods for a few days. - Keep your head raised to reduce swelling. - Keep the surgical site clean and take medicines as directed. **Do not:** - Disturb the surgical site. - Spit or swish hard. - Drink alcohol for at least two weeks. - Lift heavy things or exercise for at least 48 hours. - Smoke or vape. Smoking matters for the implant too. The FDA says smoking may affect healing and decrease the long-term success of an implant, and Cleveland Clinic says smoking or vaping can disrupt healing. ## What about cost and insurance? Cost depends on the size of the graft, the material and whether a sinus lift is needed. Town Center Dental does not publish prices. The office gives each patient their own estimate after an exam, and your plan may treat grafts differently from implants. Ask for the estimate in writing before you decide. ## What should I ask my dentist? These questions help you plan: 1. Do I need a graft, and how do you know? 2. What type of graft material do you suggest? 3. Will the graft be done first, or with the implant? 4. How long will it take to heal before the implant? 5. What are the risks for my health history? 6. What do I do at home, and when should I call? 7. What is the estimate, and what might insurance cover? ## Next step If you are planning an implant and are not sure about your bone, an exam and a 3D scan can show what you have. Read about [bone grafting at Town Center Dental](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/bone-grafting) and [dental implants](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-implant), then call (636) 273-5866 or [request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment). ## Frequently asked questions ### What are the healing stages after a dental bone graft? Cleveland Clinic says initial recovery takes about a week, with tenderness, swelling and bruising that fade in a week or two. The graft itself needs at least three months to heal, and a large graft may take nine to 12 months. Your dentist checks progress and decides when the implant can go in. ### Will I need a bone graft before a dental implant? Maybe. Mayo Clinic says that if your jawbone is not thick enough or is too soft, you may need bone grafting before implant surgery, because the bone must support the implant. Imaging and an exam show how much bone you have. A small graft can sometimes be done at the same time as the implant. ### Does a bone graft hurt? Cleveland Clinic calls dental bone grafting a relatively minor procedure, and most people report little to no pain. The area is numbed during the work. Afterward, tenderness, swelling and bruising are normal, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Call your dentist if pain or swelling gets worse. ### What is a sinus lift? A sinus lift adds bone under the sinus in the upper back jaw. A 2023 review says it is used when an implant is needed in the back of the upper jaw and there is limited bone to hold it. The dentist lifts the sinus lining and places graft material beneath it. ### How long after a bone graft can I get an implant? Cleveland Clinic says the graft needs at least three months to heal, longer for a large one. It advises placing the implant within six to 12 months after the graft heals, or the graft may start to shrink and lose density. Your dentist will set the timing for you. ## Terms on this page - [Socket preservation (ridge preservation)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/socket-preservation-ridge-preservation) - [Gum disease (periodontal disease)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gum-disease-periodontal-disease) - [Local anesthetic](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/local-anesthetic) - [Tooth extraction](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-extraction) - [Maxillary sinus](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/maxillary-sinus) - [Dental implant](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-implant) - [Gums (gingiva)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gums-gingiva) - [Bone grafting](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bone-grafting) - [Dental trauma](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-trauma) - [Tooth socket](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-socket) ## Sources 1. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Bone Graft: Process, Purpose & Healing](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21727-dental-bone-graft) 2. [Mayo Clinic: Dental implant surgery](https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622) 3. [Cureus (PMC): Maxillary Sinus Lift Procedures: An Overview of Current Techniques, Presurgical Evaluation, and Complications](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10753870/) 4. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Implants: Types, Purpose & Benefits](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10903-dental-implants) 5. [FDA: Dental Implants: What You Should Know](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-implants-what-you-should-know) 6. [Mayo Clinic: Tooth abscess, symptoms and causes](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901) Written by Town Center Dental and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Dental guidance changes, so check the linked page, and ask your dentist about your own care. ## Keep reading - [Dental implants: steps, timeline, recovery and risksA dental implant is a post that replaces a tooth root, topped with a crown, bridge or denture. Cleveland Clinic says bone takes about three to nine months to fuse with it. Implants usually last longer than dentures that rest on the gums. Your dentist decides if you are a candidate.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-implants-guide) - [Tooth Extraction Aftercare: What to Do Each Day and How to Avoid Dry SocketAfter a tooth extraction, protect the blood clot in the socket. Bite on gauze to control bleeding, use ice for swelling, eat soft foods, skip straws and smoking, and rinse gently. Dry socket usually shows up in the first three days. Follow your dentist's written instructions and call if something seems wrong.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/tooth-extraction-aftercare) - [Dental Implant Recovery Timeline: What Happens and WhenDental implant recovery happens in stages. The first days after surgery bring the most soreness. The bone then grows around the implant, which the ADA says can take up to several months. The AAP gives a range of two to six months. Your dentist sets your own timeline.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/dental-implant-recovery-timeline) - [Dentures vs implants for several or all teethTraditional dentures rest on the gums and come out for cleaning. Implant-supported dentures attach to posts in the jawbone and feel more stable. Cleveland Clinic says implants help prevent bone loss but typically cost more. The right choice depends on your bone, health, goals and budget.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dentures-vs-implants) - [Crown, filling or onlay: which does your tooth need?The size of the damage decides the repair. A filling fits small to medium decay. An inlay or onlay fits a tooth too damaged for a filling but too healthy for a crown. A crown covers the whole tooth when too little healthy tooth remains. Your dentist chooses after an exam.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/crown-vs-filling-vs-onlay) - [Missing tooth: implant, bridge or partial denture?Three common ways to replace one missing tooth are an implant, a bridge and a partial denture. An implant replaces the root and does not use neighbor teeth. A bridge is fixed to the teeth beside the gap. A partial denture is removable. Your dentist helps you choose after an exam.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/replacing-a-missing-tooth) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)