Clinically reviewed by Dr Rizwan Mahmood, BDS MFDS MSc MBBS PgDip · GDC no. 191817 · Updated November 2026
A dental bone graft rebuilds jawbone that has been lost, so there’s enough bone to hold a dental implant securely. The graft usually takes 3–6 months to mature, and sometimes it can be placed at the same time as your implant. From £499.
After a tooth is lost, the bone that held it starts to shrink, because it’s no longer being used. Gum disease, an infection or an injury can also cause bone loss. Over time this can leave too little height or width to place an implant.
A bone graft adds material to the area that acts as a scaffold. Your body gradually grows its own bone into it and replaces it, leaving a solid foundation for the implant. Read more about implants and jawbone loss.
The type you need depends on where bone has been lost and how much.
Graft material can be your own bone, donor bone, a natural bone substitute (often bovine), or a synthetic material. It’s usually covered with a thin membrane that protects it while it heals.
Not always. Many people have enough bone already. You may need a graft if:
A 3D CBCT scan at your consultation shows exactly how much bone you have. For a full arch, Smile in a Day (All-on-4) angles the implants into stronger bone, which often avoids a graft.
The exact price depends on what’s needed for your case, and is confirmed in your treatment plan after your consultation and 3D scan.
The implant and crown are priced separately, from £2,500 per tooth. See our full pricing or our guide to how much a tooth implant costs.
To protect the graft: don’t smoke, avoid strenuous exercise for the first few days, keep the area clean as we show you, and take any medication we prescribe.
Less commonly, the area can become infected, some graft granules can come loose, or the graft may not take and need redoing. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes raise these risks. We’ll talk through your own risks at your consultation.
Bone grafts are available at all four of our clinics.
Harrods, Knightsbridge
BDS, B(Med)Sc (Hons), MJDF RCS (Eng), PG Dip, PG Cert · GDC no. 244833
A procedure that adds material to your jaw where bone has been lost. Your body grows its own bone into it, so there’s enough to support a dental implant.
At Rüh Dental a bone graft starts from £499, depending on what’s needed. Your exact price is confirmed after your 3D scan.
Two single implants with crowns start from £5,000, plus the graft from £499. Two missing teeth side by side can sometimes be replaced with an implant bridge instead. Your treatment plan lists every cost before you start.
It’s done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain during it. Soreness and swelling for a few days afterwards are normal.
The gum heals in one to two weeks. The graft usually takes 3–6 months to turn into solid bone before an implant can be placed.
Sometimes. If the bone loss is small, we can often graft and place the implant in one visit. Your scan shows whether that’s possible.
No. Many people have enough bone. Your 3D scan shows whether you need one.
Yes, it’s usually done under local anaesthetic. IV sedation is available if you’re nervous, so you feel relaxed and remember little of it.
Read more about replacing missing or failing teeth.
At Rüh Dental, we do things differently. We call it the Rüh difference.
We believe in better than the traditional dentistry of yesteryear that’s left a legacy of fear and therefore neglect because of historic experiences.
Ruh Dental (Fleet Street) Limited (09473949), Ruh Dental (Notting Hill Gate) Limited (10288078) and Ruh Dental (Manchester) Limited (11669648) are registered in England. Registered office: 1st Floor Metropolitan House, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 1AG.
