“Dedicated to Enhancing Your Smile with Exceptional Care and Expertise”.
“Dedicated to Enhancing Your Smile with Exceptional Care and Expertise”.
“Dedicated to Enhancing Your Smile with Exceptional Care and Expertise”.
“Dedicated to Enhancing Your Smile with Exceptional Care and Expertise”.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Angela Leung, DDS – Last reviewed August 19, 2026
If you’ve been told you “don’t have enough bone” for an implant, you’re not stuck. Bone grafting rebuilds the foundation so a future implant (and the final crown) can be placed in the right position not the only position the remaining bone allows.
At Angela Leung DDS PC – The Endodontics Implant Center, bone grafting is planned with the end result in mind: stable function, cleanable contours, and long‑term support.
A missing tooth can trigger bone shrinkage over time. And once the ridge narrows or drops, it can push an implant plan into compromises:
Bone grafting is the “foundation work” that protects everything that comes after.
You may need grafting in situations like these:
Even when an extraction goes smoothly, the socket can lose volume as it heals. Grafting at the right time can preserve ridge implants.
When the area hasn’t been “used” for chewing, the bone often resorbs. Rebuilding it can restore a stable base and improve fit/support for future restorations.
Infection and chronic inflammation can weaken bone. In many cases, controlling infection first and then rebuilding bone creates a safer, more predictable path.
If you’re missing upper molars/premolars, the sinus floor may limit implant length. Grafting can create the clearance and support needed for a secure implant plan.
Bone grafting should never feel like “we’ll figure it out once we’re in there.” Your plan should feel specific, visual, and logical.
We start by reviewing:
When it’s clinically helpful, we evaluate ridge width/height and nearby anatomy (sinus and nerve zones) so your graft plan is built on what’s actually there not guesswork.
Some grafting can be done the same day as an extraction or implant, while other cases do better with a staged approach. Your sequencing is decided based on stability, infection risk, and the restorative goal.
Replacing missing teeth with durable artificial implants.
Specialized care for complex dental procedures.
Specialized dental care treating tooth pulp and roots.
Specialized care for gums and supporting structures.
Repairing teeth for function, health, aesthetics.
Enhance smiles with aesthetic and dental treatments.
Precise evaluation of bite alignment and jaw function.
Clear, precise guidance for safe and effective surgery.
Below are common ways grafting is used to build implant-ready support. Your case may involve one option or a combination.
Goal: maintain ridge volume right after an extraction so the site stays implant-friendly.
Best for: patients planning a future implant who want to avoid bigger grafting later.
Goal: rebuild ridge width and/or height so the implant can be placed in a safer, more natural position.
Best for: narrow ridges, collapsed ridges, and areas where the implant would otherwise be forced into a compromise.
Goal: create bone support in the upper posterior jaw when sinus anatomy limits implant placement.
Best for: missing upper premolars/molars with low sinus floor or thin bone height.
Bone healing isn’t instant and it shouldn’t be treated like it is. The timeline depends on graft size, site, and biology.
Most people deal with swelling and tenderness that gradually improves. You’ll get specific post‑op guidance on cleaning, eating, and activity.
Many graft sites need months to mature before an implant can be placed with strong stability. Some minor grafting can be paired with implant placement; other cases need staged healing.
Call us if you notice:
Bone grafting can sound intimidating. Our job is to make it structured and manageable without rushing you.
We focus on clean surgical workflow, site disinfection, and a closure plan that protects graft stability during early healing.
We’ll review comfort options based on your health history and the complexity of your case. If you’re anxious about dental procedures, tell us your comfort is part of the plan.
You’re not just getting instructions—you’re getting a practice that’s set up for precise diagnosis and careful surgical planning when needed.
We emphasize:
We’ll give you a written plan with costs before treatment begins, then help you choose a realistic path forward.
You’ll be numb from the procedure. Afterward, soreness and swelling are normal for a short period. We’ll give you clear guidance for comfort and healing.
Some cases allow grafting at the same visit as implant placement. Many cases need a healing window of months so the new bone can mature. Your anatomy and stability determine timing.
Often, yes—especially for socket preservation. If there's an active infection or the site needs staging, we’ll explain why delaying can be safer.
A second opinion with 3D imaging can change the plan. In many cases, rebuilding bone creates options that weren’t available before.
Smoking can reduce healing predictability. We’ll discuss risk reduction and timing.
Angela Leung DDS PC – The Endodontics Implant Center
1131 Mission Road, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Phone: 415-681-2697
Hours: Monday–Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Saturday & Sunday closed)
If you’re dealing with missing teeth, failing dental work, or full-mouth breakdown, the fastest relief is clarity.
