Reinforce Your Jaw for Dental Implants in the Southern Highlands

At Southern Highlands Dental Implants and Cosmetic Centre, we prioritise the health and strength of your jawbone before proceeding with any dental implant treatment. A stable and supportive bone structure is essential to ensure the long-term success of your implants.

Why is Bone Grafting Important?

Dental implants need a solid foundation to anchor effectively. If there isn’t enough healthy bone in the jaw, the implant may not integrate properly. Fortunately, with modern advances in dentistry, patients who were once unsuitable for implants can often be treated successfully following a bone grafting procedure.

While many dental professionals offer implant placement, bone grafting is a specialised surgical procedure that requires advanced skill. Dr Elkhatib is highly trained in managing complex cases involving both bone grafting and implant surgery. His precision and use of cutting-edge techniques result in consistently successful outcomes for his patients.

What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a procedure used to replace or regenerate bone where it is missing or has deteriorated. This helps create a strong base to support dental implants. The most common types of bone grafting include:

• Bone Grafting – Uses bone from a donor site (either from your own body or a biocompatible synthetic source) to rebuild the jawbone in preparation for implant placement.
• Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) – A protective membrane is placed over the graft to promote new bone growth and prevent soft tissue from interfering with the healing process.

As the graft heals, it integrates with your natural bone, forming a solid structure that supports the dental implant securely.

When is Bone Grafting Necessary?

Bone grafting may be recommended when there is insufficient bone structure to place implants safely and effectively. This may result from:

• Periodontal (gum) disease leading to bone loss
• Surgical removal of cysts, tumours or cancer in the jaw
• Long-term tooth loss causing natural bone resorption
• Facial trauma from injury or accidents
• Bone loss after tooth extraction

Without enough bone, implants may lack the stability required for long-term function and aesthetics. Bone grafting helps restore the foundation needed for successful outcomes.

Will I Need a Bone Graft?

Not every patient requires a bone graft. If tooth loss has occurred recently, there may still be adequate bone volume to support an implant. Dr Elkhatib will perform a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including advanced diagnostic imaging, to determine the condition of your jawbone and whether grafting is necessary.