Why is a bone graft needed before getting a dental implant?

A dental implant relies on osseointegration — the process where the titanium implant firmly fuses with the surrounding jawbone. If the jawbone is too thin or soft, the implant cannot be adequately supported and may fail. Bone grafting ensures there is a solid, stable foundation to securely anchor the dental implant.

What types of bone graft materials are used?

There are several types of bone grafting materials utilised in clinical practice. Autografts are bone harvested from another part of your own body, often another area of the jaw. Allografts are sterilised human donor bone from a tissue bank. Xenografts are sterilised bone derived from an animal source, typically bovine or porcine. Alloplasts are synthetic, biocompatible materials designed to mimic human bone structure. The appropriate material is selected based on individual clinical needs and patient preference.

How long does it take to heal from a bone graft procedure?

While the initial surgical recovery typically takes a few days to a week, the underlying bone regeneration process requires more time. It generally takes between three to six months for the graft to fully fuse with your natural bone and create a foundation strong enough to support a dental implant. In some minor cases, the implant can be placed during the same procedure as the bone graft.

Can I use MediSave or CHAS for bone grafting in Singapore?

Yes, Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents can utilise their MediSave to offset the surgical costs of bone grafting and dental implant procedures, subject to withdrawal limits stipulated by the CPF Board. While CHAS subsidies do not cover the direct cost of specialised surgical procedures like bone grafting, eligible CHAS cardholders may receive subsidies for related preparatory clinical consultations. Patients should consult with their clinic regarding the latest CHAS dental subsidy guidelines.

Where can I get assessed for a bone graft and dental implants?

A thorough, in-person consultation is required to assess your suitability for bone grafting and implant surgery. Clinical evaluations, complete with 3D radiographic imaging, are available at our Tanjong Pagar and Marine Parade locations to develop a customised treatment plan tailored to your anatomical needs.

Bone Grafting Implants

Q: What is a Dental Bone Graft?

A dental bone graft is a surgical procedure that replaces or augments missing bone in the jaw. When a tooth is lost or extracted, the surrounding bone often begins to deteriorate or shrink. A bone graft provides a scaffold for the body to regenerate new bone tissue, restoring the jaw's volume and density.

Q: How do I know if I need a bone graft?

Determining the need for a bone graft requires a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Utilising advanced digital dentistry, including 3D CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) imaging, allows dentists to precisely measure the height, width, and density of your existing jawbone. This digital mapping ensures accurate treatment planning prior to any surgical intervention.

Not enough jawbone for a dental implant? A bone graft can rebuild the foundation you need — so your implant has the best chance of lasting a lifetime.

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Bone grafting for dental implants at Meiplus Dentalcare Singapore

What is Dental Bone Graft?

A dental bone graft is a procedure that restores lost or insufficient bone in the jaw. When a tooth is lost or extracted, the surrounding bone begins to shrink over time. Without enough bone, a dental implant cannot be securely placed.

During the procedure, bone grafting material is placed at the affected site, encouraging your body to grow new, healthy bone. This creates the solid foundation needed to support a dental implant.

Do You Need a Bone Graft Before an Implant?

A 3D CBCT scan allows our dentists to precisely assess your bone volume and plan the right treatment for you. Bone grafting may be recommended if you have:

Lost a tooth and waited before seeking replacement

Experienced bone loss due to gum disease (periodontitis)

Had a tooth extracted and want to preserve the socket

Insufficient jaw bone height or width for an implant

3D CBCT scan for bone graft dental implant assessment Singapore

Types of Bone Graft Materials

We use clinically proven materials tailored to your needs:

Autograft

Bone taken from your own body (e.g. chin or jaw). Highest compatibility.

Allograft

Processed bone from a human tissue donor bank.

Xenograft

Sterilised animal-derived bone, most commonly bovine.

Alloplast

Synthetic materials such as hydroxyapatite that mimic natural bone.

How is Bone Grafting done?

Step 1:
Local Anaesthesia

The surgical area is numbed for your comfort.

Step 2:
Accessing the Bone

A small incision is made in the gum to expose the underlying bone.

Step 3:
Placing the Bone Graft

The bone graft material is secured at the site where bone is needed.

Step 4:
Closing the Area

The area is sutured. Over 3–6 months, your natural bone gradually integrates with the graft.

MediSave & CHAS

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents may use MediSave to offset the cost of bone grafting and dental implant procedures, subject to CPF Board limits.
CHAS cardholders may also be eligible for subsidies on related consultations.

FAQs on Bone Grafting

What is a dental bone graft?

A dental bone graft is a surgical procedure that adds bone or bone-like material to the jaw to restore areas where bone has been lost. It rebuilds the volume and density of your jawbone so it can support a dental implant.

Why do I need a bone graft before a dental implant?

Dental implants fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. If the bone is too thin, shallow, or soft, the implant will not have a secure base and may fail. A bone graft restores the bone structure needed for a successful, long-lasting implant.

How do I know if I need a bone graft?

Your dentist will take a 3D CBCT scan to measure the height, width, and density of your existing jawbone. This imaging provides an accurate picture of whether bone grafting is needed before implant placement.

How much does a dental bone graft cost in Singapore?

The cost of dental bone grafting in Singapore typically ranges from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the type of graft, the extent of bone loss, and the complexity of your case. MediSave can be used to offset part of the cost for eligible patients.

Can I use MediSave for bone grafting in Singapore?

Yes. Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents can use MediSave to help cover the cost of bone grafting and dental implant surgery, subject to CPF Board withdrawal limits. Please consult our clinic for the latest claimable amounts.

How long does it take to recover from a bone graft?

Initial recovery typically takes 1–2 weeks. Full bone integration, where the graft fuses with your natural bone, takes approximately 3 to 6 months. After this healing period, your dentist will assess whether the site is ready for implant placement.

Can a bone graft and dental implant be done at the same time?

In some cases, yes. If there is sufficient existing bone and the graft area is suitable, your dentist may place the implant during the same surgical visit as the bone graft. This depends on your individual bone condition and treatment plan.

What is a sinus lift and when is it needed?

A sinus lift is a type of bone graft performed on the upper jaw when there is insufficient bone height below the sinus cavity. The sinus floor is gently elevated, and graft material is placed to increase bone volume, making implant placement possible in the upper back teeth region.

Is dental bone grafting painful?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the surgery. Some soreness and swelling are normal in the days following the procedure and can be managed with prescribed medication.

Where can I get a bone graft assessment in Singapore?

Meiplus Dentalcare offers bone graft consultations with 3D CBCT imaging at our Tanjong Pagar and Marine Parade clinics. Book an appointment to receive a personalised treatment plan.

Meet Our Doctors

Our passionate and dedicated team brings together a diverse range of skills and expertise to deliver exceptional results. From creative visionaries to meticulous strategists, we work seamlessly together to meet and exceed our patients’ expectations.

Dr. Brian Bak, Junbeom

Principal Dentist (Tanjong Pagar)
King’s College London BDS (UK)

Dr. James Leem Jae Hoon

Principal Dentist (Marine Parade)
University of Melbourne BDSc (AUS)

Dr. Winston How

Clinic Director (Tanjong Pagar)
National University of Singapore BDS

Dr. Ellie Eunji Park

Dentist (Marine Parade)
University of Melbourne BDSc (AUS)

Dr. Roy Kim Gyeonguk

Dentist (Tanjong Pagar)
King’s College London BDS (UK)

Dental Implant Consultations in Singapore

Meiplus Dentalcare offers dental implant consultations at two locations in Singapore. We provide services in English, Korean, Mandarin and Japanese.

Address

1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza #02-24, S082001

Tanjong Pagar
(Flagship Clinic)

Email: meiplus@meiplus.com.sg

Phone: 6538 1400

Whatsapp: 97871209

Kakaotalk: meiplus

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Address

141 East Coast Road, Katong, S428831

Marine Parade Branch

Email: meiplusmp@meiplus.com.sg

Phone: 6514 1200

Whatsapp: 88375481