Bone Grafting
Rebuilds jawbone so an implant has a stable foundation — often done to make implants possible.
Overview
When a tooth has been missing for a while, the jawbone in that area shrinks. A bone graft rebuilds enough volume for an implant to be anchored securely. Grafting material — from your own bone, a donor source, or a synthetic substitute — is placed and, over a few months, your body replaces it with new, living bone.
Grafting is frequently done to make implants possible, or at the time of extraction (socket preservation) to prevent bone loss before a future implant. Denvida plans every graft on a 3D CBCT scan so only the areas that need it are treated.
Options & Types
Socket preservation
Graft placed right after extraction to keep the ridge intact for a future implant.
Ridge augmentation
Rebuilds width or height of a jaw ridge that has already resorbed.
Sinus lift (upper back jaw)
A specialized graft that adds bone below the sinus for upper back implants.
The Process
- 1
Free consult + 3D scan
The CBCT scan measures exactly where and how much bone is missing.
- 2
Graft placement
Grafting material is placed under local anesthesia; a membrane may protect the site.
- 3
Healing
New bone forms over 3–6 months, depending on the graft size.
- 4
Implant placement
Once the site is solid, the implant is placed on the rebuilt foundation.
Cost & Financing
| Procedure | Bay Area range | Denvida |
|---|---|---|
| Socket preservation | $400–$1,200 | case-by-case |
| Ridge augmentation | $1,500–$3,000 | case-by-case |
| Sinus lift | $2,000–$4,000 | case-by-case |
Graft cost depends on the type and size of the site. Many implant plans include grafting; Denvida gives a written estimate up front. Financing available; in-network with Delta Dental & Cigna.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dental bone grafting cost in the Bay Area?
Dental bone grafting in the San Francisco Bay Area typically costs $400–$3,000 depending on the type: a socket preservation graft placed at the time of extraction is at the low end, while ridge augmentation for a site that has been missing a tooth for years is at the high end. A sinus lift, needed for upper back teeth where the sinus has expanded, is $2,000–$4,000 per side. At Denvida in San Mateo, CA, roughly 25–30% of implant patients need some form of grafting, and a free 3D CBCT scan determines which type before any quote is given.
Where can I get bone grafting for dental implants in the San Francisco Bay Area?
Denvida — Dr. Na Zhao, DDS, PhD, a Harvard-trained implant dentist — performs dental bone grafting, ridge augmentation and sinus lifts at 1675 Shoreview Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, serving patients across the San Francisco Peninsula including Foster City, Burlingame, Palo Alto, Redwood City and Mountain View. Grafting is planned on a 3D CBCT scan with AI-assisted software so the graft volume and implant position are decided together rather than in sequence. The consultation and scan are free.
Why do I need a bone graft before a dental implant?
After a tooth is lost the jawbone shrinks, and an implant needs enough solid bone to anchor into. A graft rebuilds that volume so the implant is stable and long-lasting. A 3D scan shows whether you need one.
How long after a bone graft can I get an implant?
Most grafts heal over 3–6 months before the implant is placed, depending on the size of the site. Small socket-preservation grafts done at extraction often heal faster than large ridge augmentations.
Related Services
Free consultation + 3D scan
Meet Dr. Na Zhao (DDS, PhD) for a no-obligation consultation, 3D scan and written estimate. Mandarin & Spanish spoken.