Bone Grafting

Dental bone grafting is often priced per area or per cubic centimetre (cc). Many clinics list fees of approximately €200 to €300 per grafted site, while more extensive or complex reconstructions may cost more.

The final cost depends on several factors, including the volume of graft material required, the type of biomaterial used, and whether the procedure is combined with a sinus lift or implant placement. For this reason, a single fixed fee would not accurately reflect individual treatment needs.

To find out how much bone grafting would cost in your specific case, please contact us for a free online consultation and a personalised treatment plan.

A dental bone graft becomes essential when bone volume or density is insufficient for stable function or implant placement. Common clinical situations include:

• After tooth extraction – socket grafting helps preserve ridge height and width for future implants or bridges.

• Periodontal (gum) disease – advanced periodontitis destroys the bone around teeth; regenerative grafts rebuild this support.

• Facial or jaw trauma – fractures or bone loss after accidents require grafting to restore structural integrity.

• Cyst or tumour removal – grafting fills the voids left after surgical removal of cysts or benign tumours.

• Preparation for full-arch implants (All-on-4 / All-on-6) – grafting improves ridge dimensions and bone density for long-term stability.

• Long-term tooth loss (edentulism) – bone regeneration helps reverse facial collapse and sunken cheeks.

After a tooth is lost or severe gum disease develops, the surrounding bone no longer receives chewing forces through the tooth root. As a result, the jawbone gradually resorbs and shrinks in both height and width, especially in the first years after extraction or in cases of untreated periodontitis. This can lead to loose teeth, gum recession, bite changes, and facial shortening. A dental bone graft replaces this lost structure with biocompatible material that integrates with your own bone, restoring stability for implants and helping prevent further facial collapse.

Bone grafting is not a single procedure; it includes several techniques tailored to the defect:

• Socket preservation – a small graft placed immediately after extraction to preserve bone shape and height.

• Ridge augmentation – rebuilding wider or deeper defects along the jaw ridge before implants.

• Sinus lift – raising the sinus membrane and adding bone in the upper back jaw when vertical bone height is insufficient.

• Ridge splitting – widening a narrow ridge by gently splitting the bone and inserting a graft between the segments.

• Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) – using membranes to protect the graft and guide bone cells into the defect while blocking soft tissue.

• PRF or stem-cell–enhanced grafting – adding Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) or biologic factors to accelerate healing and integration.

All of these are selected individually after 3D imaging and digital planning.

Contemporary regenerative protocols show very high success: one clinical review cited in the Vera Smile article reports success rates above 95% for bone regeneration procedures when proper materials, planning, and healing times are respected.
In practice, this means that for appropriately selected patients, bone grafting is a reliable way to recover lost bone and make areas suitable for long-term implant rehabilitation.

A dental bone graft is a structured procedure that follows these general phases:

1. Consultation & 3D imaging – clinical exam, panoramic X-ray and often CBCT to evaluate bone volume and key anatomical structures (nerves, sinus).

2. Treatment planning – selection of graft type (socket graft, ridge augmentation, sinus lift etc.), graft material and need for PRF or membranes.

3. Anaesthesia – local anaesthesia (with optional sedation) to ensure a comfortable, pain-free procedure.

4. Surgical access – a small gum incision is made to expose the defect; in sinus lifts, the sinus membrane is gently lifted.

5. Graft placement – graft material is packed into the defect and may be covered with a barrier membrane (GBR) to protect the site.

6. Closure – the gums are repositioned and sutured, and you receive detailed aftercare instructions.

7. Healing & follow-up – over 3–6 months, the graft fuses with the natural bone; follow-up visits monitor integration and plan future implants.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring comfort. Post-operative discomfort is manageable with prescribed medication.

Recovery happens in two layers:

• Early recovery (first 48–72 hours): mild swelling, slight discomfort or minimal bleeding are normal and typically managed with cold compresses and prescribed medication.

• Soft-tissue healing (1–2 weeks): gums close over the area; sutures are usually removed or dissolve during this period.

Deep bone integration takes longer: the healing period generally lasts about 3–6 months, during which the grafted material fuses with your natural bone through cellular regeneration. Only after this phase is complete are implants or major prosthetic procedures planned for the area.

Do’s (recommended):

• Apply a cold compress intermittently during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.

• Eat a soft, nutrient-rich diet (soups, mashed vegetables, yogurt) and stay well hydrated.

• Use chlorhexidine mouthwash or other prescribed rinses as directed.

• Take all prescribed painkillers and antibiotics on schedule.

• Sleep with your head elevated during the first night.

• Attend all follow-up appointments for suture removal and healing checks.

Don’ts (to avoid complications):

• Do not smoke or vape for at least 7–10 days, as nicotine restricts blood flow and delays bone regeneration.

• Avoid hard, crunchy or spicy foods that may irritate the graft.

• Do not touch or disturb the surgical site with fingers or tongue.

• Avoid alcohol, which interferes with healing and medication effectiveness.

• Do not engage in intense exercise or heavy lifting for several days.

Dental bone grafting is considered safe and highly predictable, with studies reporting success rates above 95% when performed under sterile, guided conditions.
Still, potential complications can include:

• Graft rejection or infection – rare when using high-quality biocompatible materials and proper hygiene.

• Sinus complications in upper jaw grafts (e.g., transient sinus membrane irritation).

• Soft tissue dehiscence or membrane exposure if sutures loosen or tension is high.

• Partial graft integration failure occurs if the blood supply is inadequate or the area is overloaded too early.

• Postoperative swelling or bruising usually resolves within a few days.

Strict aftercare and scheduled follow-ups at Maltepe Dental Clinic greatly reduce these risks.

The exact timing depends on graft size, material and your healing capacity, but most cases follow this general window:

• Local / socket grafts: implants are often planned after about 3–6 months of healing.

• Larger ridge augmentations or sinus lifts sometimes require 4–9 months, especially in extensive defects.

Your implant specialist at Maltepe Dental Clinic will confirm readiness with clinical exams and follow-up imaging before scheduling implant placement.

Bone grafting is often part of a broader treatment strategy rather than a standalone procedure. Depending on your case, Maltepe Dental Clinic may combine it with:

• Sinus lift – to gain height in the upper back jaw.

• Ridge splitting – to widen narrow ridges.

• Socket preservation – immediately after extraction to maintain the ridge contour.

• Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) – with barrier membranes to protect the graft.

• PRF / biologically enhanced grafts – to accelerate healing and integration.

These combinations are decided individually using digital planning and CBCT-based measurements.

Yes. Many international patients undergo bone grafting in Istanbul as part of a staged implant plan. Typically:

• You stay 3–7 days for consultation, imaging, and surgery, plus early post-op checks.

• You then return home while the graft heals over 3–6 months.

• A second visit is scheduled for implant placement once healing is confirmed.

Because Maltepe Dental Clinic focuses on dental tourism, transparent pricing, and long-distance follow-up, bone grafting can be seamlessly integrated into a two-visit treatment plan with clear timelines and expectations.

Bone graft materials can come from different sources: your own body (autograft), a human donor (allograft), animal sources such as bovine (cow) bone (xenograft), or synthetic materials (alloplast). At our clinic, we generally use grafts from your own body or bovine (cow) sources. Your surgeon will determine and discuss the most suitable option for your case.