Short answer: Not always. Bone grafting is only required if you don't have enough jawbone volume or density to support an implant post. Approximately 30–40% of implant patients require grafting — usually those who've had missing teeth for more than a year, worn dentures long-term, or experienced significant gum disease.
Only a 3D CT scan can tell you for certain. At Chicago Elite Implant Center, your free consultation includes a cone beam CT scan that maps your bone volume exactly. We can tell you the same day whether you need grafting.
Why Bone Loss Happens After Losing Teeth
Your jawbone maintains its density and volume through the stimulation it receives from tooth roots. Every time you chew, that force travels through your roots into the bone, triggering ongoing bone maintenance.
When a tooth is lost, that stimulation stops. The bone in that area begins to resorb — shrink — because the body no longer needs to maintain it. Research shows:
- 25% of bone width is lost in the first year after tooth loss
- By years 2–3, significant volume reduction is visible on imaging
- Long-term denture wearers often lose 40–60% of jawbone over decades
This is why implants placed immediately or soon after extraction have better outcomes — there's more bone to work with.
When Is Bone Grafting Required?
You likely need a bone graft if:
- A tooth has been missing for more than 1–2 years
- You've worn dentures or partial dentures for many years
- You have a history of significant gum disease (periodontitis)
- A previous tooth was extracted due to infection that damaged surrounding bone
- You need an upper jaw implant and the sinus is too close (requires a sinus lift)
- Your 3D CT scan shows insufficient bone height or width at the implant site
When Is Bone Grafting NOT Required?
You likely don't need a bone graft if:
- The tooth was recently extracted (or you're getting implant placed at time of extraction)
- You have adequate bone volume confirmed by 3D imaging
- You're getting All-on-4 implants — which are specifically designed to work with less bone using angled implants
Types of Bone Grafts
Socket preservation graft
Placed at the time of tooth extraction to prevent bone loss before it starts. The most common and straightforward type. Done at the same appointment as the extraction. Heals in 3–4 months, then implant placement proceeds.
Ridge augmentation graft
Used when significant bone loss has already occurred. Rebuilds the ridge (the arch of bone where teeth sit) to create adequate width and height for an implant. Healing takes 4–6 months.
Sinus lift
A specialized graft for the upper jaw when the sinus cavity sits too low. Grafting material is placed to create space between the sinus floor and the jawbone. Learn more about sinus lifts →
What Is the Bone Graft Made Of?
At Chicago Elite Implant Center we use:
- Allograft — processed human bone from a tissue bank (most common, safe, effective)
- Xenograft — bovine (cow) bone mineral, widely studied and biocompatible
- Synthetic graft material — biocompatible calcium-based materials
The material serves as a scaffold for your own bone cells to grow into. Over 3–6 months, your body replaces the graft with new native bone.
Bone Grafting Pricing at Chicago Elite Implant Center
All bone grafting is performed in-house by Dr. Naser at our Woodridge, IL office — no referrals to outside oral surgeons. One provider, one location, full continuity of care.