Oral Surgery & Extractions
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants Explained
· 3 min read · Reviewed by the Healthy Smiles California clinical team

Quick answer
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants Explained
A bone graft rebuilds jawbone that has shrunk after tooth loss so an implant has a stable foundation. It is often done at the time of extraction and adds a few months of healing.
Reviewed by the Healthy Smiles California clinical team · Updated October 12, 2026
Why bone shrinks
Without a root, the jaw loses volume over time.
Types of grafts
Socket preservation, ridge augmentation and sinus lifts.
Avoiding grafts
All-on-4 angled implants can sometimes avoid grafting.
This article is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Every mouth is different — book an exam for advice specific to you.
Ready to talk about oral surgery & extractions?
Explore Oral Surgery & Extractions