Oral Surgery
Bone Grafting in Buderim
Bone grafting at Sunny Dental Buderim rebuilds jawbone lost through tooth loss, gum disease, or injury — creating the foundation needed for a successful dental implant. We offer bone grafting with the surgical experience and steady hands that complex cases demand.
Why Jawbone is Lost — and How Grafting Restores It
Bone loss after tooth extraction is gradual but significant. Without the stimulation of a tooth root, the jawbone begins to resorb. Bone grafting halts this process and restores the volume needed for implant placement.
Why Bone is Lost After Tooth Extraction
The jawbone is maintained by the pressure of chewing transmitted through tooth roots. When a tooth is removed, that stimulation stops and the bone in that area begins to resorb — shrinking in both height and width. This can begin within weeks of extraction and continues over years. The longer a tooth has been missing, the more bone is typically lost.
Bone Loss from Gum Disease
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) destroys the bone that supports teeth. Even if the teeth themselves are saved, the bone loss can make implant placement in those areas more complex. A bone graft can rebuild the area before implant surgery is considered.
Socket Preservation Grafts
When a tooth is extracted and an implant is planned for the future, placing a graft at the time of extraction — a socket preservation graft — minimises the bone loss that occurs after removal. This is a simpler procedure than a later ridge augmentation graft, and often reduces the overall treatment time and complexity.
Ridge Augmentation
When bone loss has already occurred, a ridge augmentation graft rebuilds the ridge of bone along the jaw to create sufficient width and height for implant placement. This is a more involved procedure and typically requires several months of healing before the implant stage.
What the Procedure Involves
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure, but a well-established one. Here is what happens from assessment through to completion.
Assessment
Your dentist will take X-rays and assess the existing bone volume at the implant site. A CBCT (cone beam CT) scan may be arranged if more detailed three-dimensional imaging is needed. You will receive a clear explanation of whether grafting is required, what type, and what the full treatment sequence will look like.
The Graft Procedure
Under local anaesthetic — and sedation if preferred — your dentist carefully prepares the graft site. Graft material is placed into the deficient area and covered with a membrane to guide healing. The area is then sutured. The procedure itself typically takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on complexity. IV sedation with a registered nurse on-site is available for patients who prefer a more relaxed surgical experience.
Healing and Integration
The graft material integrates with the existing jawbone over three to six months. During this period, your dentist will monitor healing at follow-up appointments. Some swelling and discomfort in the days following surgery is normal, and you will be given detailed aftercare instructions to support your recovery.
Implant Placement
Once healing is confirmed and the bone volume is adequate, implant placement can proceed. In some cases, a graft and implant can be placed at the same appointment — your dentist will advise whether this is appropriate for your situation.
Surgical Expertise at Sunny Dental Buderim
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that rewards precision and calm. Dr Louis and Dr Jeremy both bring extensive surgical experience, including from their time in military service, to every procedure.
Military Surgical Training
Dr Louis George served with the Royal Navy and Dr Jeremy Collins with the Australian Army. Both have extensive experience with complex dental procedures in demanding environments — the kind of background that builds steady hands and sound surgical judgement.
IV Sedation with RN Monitoring
Surgical procedures can be anxiety-provoking even for patients who are comfortable with routine dental visits. IV sedation is available at Sunny Dental, with a registered nurse on-site to monitor you throughout. This is not standard at most Sunshine Coast practices.
DVA Patients Welcome
Both Dr Louis and Dr Jeremy are ex-military, and Sunny Dental is a veteran-friendly practice. DVA patients across the Sunshine Coast — from Buderim and Nambour to Maroochydore and beyond — are welcome to enquire about DVA-covered treatment.
Clear Costs Before Any Procedure
You will receive a written treatment plan with full costs — including the graft procedure and all subsequent implant stages — before any work begins. Health fund rebates are processed on the spot and payment plan options are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might I need a bone graft before a dental implant?
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area can begin to shrink over time. If too much bone is lost, there may not be sufficient volume to place a dental implant securely. A bone graft rebuilds the bone to a level that can support the implant. Your dentist will assess whether grafting is needed based on X-rays and a clinical examination.
What does a bone graft involve?
A bone graft is a surgical procedure carried out under local anaesthetic — and sedation where preferred. Graft material is placed into the area where bone is deficient. The graft integrates with the existing bone over several months, after which the site may be assessed for implant placement.
How long does bone graft healing take?
Healing and integration of the graft material typically takes three to six months before the site is ready for implant placement. Your dentist will monitor healing at follow-up appointments and advise when the site is ready for the next stage.
Is a bone graft painful?
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so discomfort during surgery is minimised. Some swelling, bruising, and soreness for several days after the procedure is normal. Sedation is available for patients who prefer to be more relaxed during a surgical appointment. Your dentist will provide clear aftercare instructions to support your recovery.
All dental treatments carry risks and individual outcomes vary. Surgical procedures carry additional risks that your dentist will discuss with you at your consultation. The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute clinical advice. A consultation with a registered dental practitioner is necessary to assess your individual suitability for treatment.
Discuss Your Options with Dr Louis or Dr Jeremy
If you have been told you need a bone graft before implants, or if you would like to know whether an implant is still possible for you, call Sunny Dental on (07) 5445 8400 or book a consultation online. We are located on King Street in Buderim and serve patients from across the Sunshine Coast.