Bone grafting (bone augmentation) is a dental procedure used to compensate for insufficient bone mass in the jaw, most commonly as preparation for dental implants. The procedure enables stable and long-lasting implant placement, even in cases where bone volume is inadequate. It is a routine, safe procedure performed under local anaesthesia, with a controlled and predictable recovery.
Bone grafting is a procedure that increases the volume and quality of bone in the jaw, enabling the correct and stable placement of dental implants.
Bone loss in the jaw does not occur suddenly — it is a gradual process that develops when the bone no longer performs its function or is exposed to inflammation, inadequate or excessive pressure, or damage.
Without sufficient bone, an implant cannot have a stable foundation — this is why augmentation is a crucial step before implant placement.
This procedure is recommended when there is insufficient bone height or width for the safe placement of an implant.
The most common indications are:
In some cases, augmentation can be performed:
The type of augmentation depends on the direction and extent of bone deficiency — whether the issue lies in width, height, or a specific anatomical region.
Performed when the bone is too narrow and lacks sufficient width for stable implant placement. Bone material is added to the outer side of the jaw to "widen" the bone and provide adequate space for the implant.
Applied when there is insufficient bone height — when the bone is "lower" than required for an implant. This procedure is somewhat more complex, as bone is built up in height, with the goal of providing adequate depth for stable implant placement.
Sinus lift is a procedure performed in the upper jaw, in the posterior region (lateral teeth area). Due to the proximity of the maxillary sinus, the sinus membrane is carefully elevated and the space beneath it is filled with bone material. After healing, sufficient bone is obtained for safe implant placement.
Every step is aimed at providing a stable foundation for the future implant and a long-lasting result.
A thorough analysis is carried out before the procedure to accurately assess the bone condition and plan the treatment. This includes:
Based on this data, the amount of missing bone is determined, the appropriate type of augmentation is selected, and it is assessed whether simultaneous implant placement is feasible. Planning is key to success — the more precise the plan, the safer the procedure and the more predictable the outcome.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, meaning the area is completely pain-free during the intervention. Prior to the procedure, the operative field is disinfected and the patient receives clear instructions about the course of treatment.
Most patients describe the procedure as uncomfortable in terms of pressure, but not painful.
This is the key phase of the procedure in which the lost bone is replenished. Course of the procedure:
After the procedure, a process begins in which the body integrates the grafted material and forms new bone. This process involves the gradual "overgrowth" of the biomaterial by natural bone, stabilisation and strengthening of the region, and preparation for the future implant.
Healing time: typically 3–6 months (depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual response of the organism).
During this period, loading of the region is avoided, controlled oral hygiene is maintained, and the patient attends regular check-ups. Only once stable bone has formed is it safe to place the implant and expect a long-lasting result.
The choice of material depends on the amount of missing bone and the treatment plan, but all share the same goal — to enable the formation of new, stable bone as the foundation for an implant.
(calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite)
Laboratory-produced materials that mimic the mineral composition of natural bone.
(most commonly bovine bone – Bio-Oss)
Natural bone specially processed so that only the mineral structure remains, without organic components.
(autograft)
In certain cases, bone taken from the patient themselves is used, most commonly from the jaw.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain during the intervention.
After the procedure, mild swelling, a feeling of pressure, and minor pain in the first few days are possible. These symptoms are temporary and are successfully managed with the therapy prescribed by the clinic.
Recovery takes place in two phases:
Only after complete integration can implant placement proceed.
In certain cases — yes. However, the decision depends on the amount of existing bone, its stability, and the specialist's assessment following diagnosis. The key factor is whether the implant can achieve sufficient primary stability at the time of placement.
The implant and bone graft are placed in the same procedure. This is possible when there is sufficient existing bone to keep the implant stable while the additional material integrates.
Augmentation is performed first, and after the healing period (typically 3–6 months) the implant is placed. This option is chosen when there is insufficient bone for secure implant stability from the outset.
Like any surgical procedure, bone grafting carries certain risks, but these are rare when the procedure is properly planned and performed.
Can occur if bacteria enter the operative field. It manifests as pain, swelling and redness, but is successfully treated with therapy in the majority of cases.
More common in smokers, patients with chronic conditions, or poor oral hygiene. This can extend the recovery period.
In some cases the body does not fully integrate the material, requiring additional correction.
A normal reaction following the procedure that resolves within a few days.
It is of utmost importance for the success of the treatment that the patient follows the prescribed instructions precisely!
The cost of bone grafting depends on the extent of the procedure, the amount of material required, and the complexity of the clinical situation. Following examination and diagnosis, an exact treatment plan and precise cost estimate are provided.
At Vuković Dental Clinic, the base price for the procedure is:
| Flap surgery with bone graft (Bio-Oss) – per tooth | 90–110€ |
The full price list can be found on our price list page, or you can contact us for more detailed information.
Yes — after successful integration, the new bone becomes a stable and functional foundation for an implant.
In practice, this means:
It is important to emphasise that the long-term outcome depends not only on the procedure itself, but also on maintaining oral health and attending regular check-ups.
Most patients can be candidates, but an examination and assessment of bone condition and general health are required beforehand.
The procedure typically takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on complexity. If performed as part of flap surgery, the duration will vary depending on the number of teeth involved.
Most everyday activities can be resumed after 1–2 days, while avoiding physical exertion.
Yes — when performed with adequate diagnostics and planning, the procedure is safe and routine.
In most cases, a waiting period of 3 to 6 months is required for the bone to fully form and stabilise.
In the first few days, a soft diet is recommended and chewing on the treated side should be avoided.
Yes — smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of complications, so it is advised to avoid it during the recovery period.
No — the procedure is carried out inside the oral cavity and there are no visible external changes.
Većina pacijenata može biti kandidat, ali je neophodan pregled i analiza kako bi se procenilo stanje kosti i opšte zdravlje.
Zahvat obično traje od 30 do 90 minuta, u zavisnosti od složenosti. Ukoliko je u sklopu režanj operacija, traje duže u zavisnosti od broja zuba.
U većini slučajeva potrebno je sačekati 3 do 6 meseci kako bi se kost u potpunosti formirala i stabilizovala.
U prvim danima preporučuje se mekša ishrana i izbegavanje žvakanja na strani gde je rađen zahvat.
Da, pušenje može usporiti zarastanje i povećati rizik od komplikacija, zbog čega se savetuje izbegavanje u periodu oporavka.
Ne, zahvat se obavlja unutar usne duplje i nema vidljivih promena spolja.
Većina svakodnevnih aktivnosti može se nastaviti već nakon 1–2 dana, uz izbegavanje fizičkog napora.
Da, kada se izvodi uz adekvatnu dijagnostiku i planiranje, procedura je bezbedna i rutinska.
