What Is Dental Bone Grafting?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that adds bone material to areas of the jaw where natural bone has been lost. This is often necessary before dental implants can be placed, because implants require a certain volume and density of bone to anchor securely. At Elonix Clinic, bone grafting is performed routinely with excellent results, at a fraction of the cost charged in the UK or US.
Why Does Bone Loss Happen?
The jawbone needs stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its density. When teeth are lost or extracted, the bone in that area begins to resorb (shrink) over time. Common causes of jawbone loss include:
- Tooth extraction: Bone loss begins within weeks of extraction and continues over months and years
- Periodontal (gum) disease: Advanced gum disease destroys the bone supporting the teeth
- Long-term denture wear: Dentures rest on the gums, not in the bone, leading to progressive bone resorption
- Trauma or injury: Facial injuries can damage or destroy jawbone
- Infections: Dental abscesses and cysts can erode surrounding bone
Types of Bone Grafts at Elonix
Socket Preservation Graft
Performed immediately after tooth extraction to prevent bone loss. Bone material is placed directly into the empty socket. This is the simplest and most common type.
Elonix Price: €150-€200 | UK: €500-€800
Ridge Augmentation
Rebuilds the width or height of the jawbone ridge when significant resorption has occurred. Often needed for patients who lost teeth years ago.
Elonix Price: €200-€350 | UK: €800-€1,500
Sinus Lift (Sinus Floor Elevation)
A specialised procedure for the upper jaw where the sinus cavity is too close to the jaw ridge. Bone is added between the jaw and the sinus membrane, creating enough depth for implants.
Elonix Price: €300-€500 | UK: €1,000-€2,500
Block Bone Graft
For severe bone loss, a block of bone is harvested from another area (often the chin or back of the jaw) and fixed to the deficient site. This is the most complex grafting procedure.
Elonix Price: €350-€600 | UK: €1,500-€3,000
Bone Graft Cost Comparison
| Procedure | Elonix Price | UK Price | US Price |
|---|
| Socket Preservation | €150-€200 | €500-€800 | €600-€1,000 |
| Ridge Augmentation | €200-€350 | €800-€1,500 | €1,000-€2,500 |
| Sinus Lift | €300-€500 | €1,000-€2,500 | €1,500-€3,500 |
| Block Bone Graft | €350-€600 | €1,500-€3,000 | €2,000-€4,000 |
The Bone Grafting Process at Elonix
- 3D CBCT Assessment: A detailed 3D scan precisely maps the bone volume, density, and anatomy of your jaw, identifying exactly where grafting is needed.
- Treatment Planning: Dr. Kleant determines the type and volume of graft material required and explains the procedure in detail.
- The Procedure: Bone grafting is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation available. The procedure typically takes 30-90 minutes depending on complexity.
- Healing Period: Bone grafts require 3-6 months to integrate with your natural bone before implants can be placed.
- Implant Placement: Once the graft has matured, dental implants are placed into the newly strengthened bone.
Good News: In many cases, bone grafting and implant placement can be performed simultaneously, reducing the number of visits. This combined approach is possible when the bone deficiency is minor and sufficient initial stability can be achieved.
High Success Rate: Bone grafting at Elonix Clinic has a success rate exceeding 95%. The clinic uses premium bone graft materials from established suppliers, including bovine xenograft and synthetic bone substitutes, chosen based on the specific clinical situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. About 30-40% of implant patients need some form of bone grafting. A 3D CBCT scan at Elonix will determine if your bone volume is sufficient for implants or if grafting is needed.
Bone grafting at Elonix starts from €150 for socket preservation and ranges up to €600 for complex block grafts. This is 60-75% less than UK prices.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you feel no pain during treatment. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and managed with standard pain medication. Most patients describe it as less uncomfortable than a tooth extraction.
Typically 3-6 months, depending on the type and extent of grafting. In some cases, implants and bone grafting can be done simultaneously. Your Elonix treatment plan will specify the exact timeline.
Often, yes. The All-on-4 technique uses angled implants that maximise contact with existing bone, frequently eliminating the need for grafting even in patients with moderate bone loss. This is one of the major advantages of the All-on-4 protocol.