Dental bone grafting in Weybridge

A dental implant needs enough healthy bone around it to stay secure. When bone has been lost, a dental bone graft can rebuild it. At Post House Dental in Weybridge we plan every graft with a low-dose 3D scan so we know exactly how much bone is there before treatment starts. Our fee for guided bone regeneration (bone graft) is from £650. Like all our treatments, bone grafting is subject to a consultation and assessment.

Why bone matters for your teeth

The part of a tooth you can see is the crown. Below the gum, the root sits in the jaw bone, which acts as the foundation for every bite you take.

When a tooth is lost, the bone around it no longer feels those biting forces. The body responds by gradually reabsorbing (shrinking) that bone. This is a natural part of tooth loss. Over time it can lead to receding gums, movement of neighbouring teeth and fewer options for replacing the tooth.

An implant works like a tooth root. It needs to sit fully within bone so that it can carry biting forces and be protected from bacteria in the mouth. If the bone is too thin, too short or too soft, the implant may not have a secure foundation.

What is a dental bone graft?

A bone graft, also called guided bone regeneration (GBR), rebuilds or strengthens bone in a particular area of the jaw. The site is carefully prepared and bone particles are packed and shaped into place. They are then covered with a protective membrane that holds the graft in position.

The membrane protects the graft long enough for your own bone cells to move into the area and start forming new bone. In this way the graft acts as a scaffold for your body's natural healing.

Where the graft material comes from

Graft material can come from several sources. It may be human, animal or synthetic. It may also be your own bone. Each has its own advantages. Your dentist will explain them and discuss your preferences before any treatment is carried out.

Do all dental implants need a bone graft?

No. Many implants are placed without one. An implant needs a certain volume and density of bone to work well. A bone graft is recommended when the site lacks enough bone. It can also help where rebuilding the bone would improve the appearance of the gum or the strength of the implant over the long term.

Sometimes a graft can be avoided by using a short or narrow implant. Your dentist will consider all the suitable options for your mouth and explain why they recommend one over another.

How we find out whether you need a graft

We use low-dose 3D x-ray scanning (cone beam CT) to plan your whole treatment digitally. The scan is taken here at the practice. It shows the volume, position and density of your bone in three dimensions. That lets us plan precisely before any physical treatment begins and tell you in advance what will be needed and what to expect.

When the graft is placed

A bone graft is often placed at the same appointment as the implant. In other situations we graft first and let the area heal before placing the implant a few months later. Which approach suits you depends on how much bone is missing and where.

If bone is needed in the upper jaw near the sinus, a sinus lift may be recommended instead of a graft or alongside one. When a tooth is being removed, it may be possible to place an immediate dental implant and graft around it at the same time.

What the procedure feels like

Bone grafting is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you should feel no pain during treatment. You will be aware of pressure and movement. The gum is usually closed with stitches afterwards.

Some swelling, bruising and tenderness for a few days is common. Most people manage with over-the-counter pain relief. We will give you written aftercare advice, which usually includes eating soft food, avoiding smoking and keeping the area clean as instructed. We see you again to check healing and remove any stitches.

How much does a dental bone graft cost?

Our fee for guided bone regeneration (bone graft) is from £650. If you need an implant as well, an implant is £2,950 and an implant crown is £1,650. An internal sinus lift is from £650. A CBCT scan is £210 (3D scan).

The total cost depends on how many implants you need, how much bone is missing and whether grafting is done at the same time as the implant or separately. For example, two implants with grafting will cost more than one, but the exact figure depends on your assessment. Your fee is always confirmed in a written plan before treatment starts. You can see all our prices on our fees page.

We provide both NHS and private care. We cannot promise that bone grafting or implant treatment will be available on the NHS. Online booking is for private appointments only.

Bone grafting and gum disease

Bone can also be lost around natural teeth because of gum disease. Treating gum disease is a separate process and is usually led by our periodontist. If you are concerned about bone loss around your own teeth, see our gum disease page. We will assess whether you need a periodontal consultation.

Your implant dentist

Bone grafting at Post House Dental is provided by Bahader S Panesar, Principal Dentist (BDS (Cardiff), MSc Rest (UCL), Cert Implantology (UCL)).

Why patients choose Post House Dental

We have looked after patients at The Old Post House on Heath Road in Weybridge since 1978. CBCT 3D scanning is available in the practice, so implant and graft planning happens under one roof. Our dentists use surgical microscopes and magnification in almost all procedures. We follow evidence-based dentistry, which means we will only recommend a graft when it genuinely helps. Our articles What is dental bone graft surgery? and Why is a bone graft important? explain more.