Bone Grafting for Dental Implants in Beaverton, OR
Bone Grafting For Implants is a specialized dental service provided by the board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Insufficient bone volume is the most common barrier to dental implant placement. Our oral surgeon and implant specialists rebuild jawbone architecture using proven grafting techniques and biocompatible materials, creating the foundation needed for successful, long-lasting implant results.
Rebuilding Bone Volume for Predictable Dental Implant Placement
Bone grafting for dental implants is a surgical procedure that regenerates or augments the jawbone to create adequate volume and density for successful implant integration. At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, Dr. Ostovar and our surgical team perform all categories of bone grafting — from straightforward socket preservation at the time of extraction to complex ridge augmentation and sinus floor elevation — using CBCT-guided planning, proven surgical protocols, and the highest-quality graft materials available. Our goal is always the same: to build a foundation of bone that is dimensionally stable, biologically viable, and positioned precisely where the implant needs to be placed.
The need for bone grafting arises from a fundamental biological reality: alveolar bone — the bone that supports your teeth — depends on the presence of teeth for its maintenance. When a tooth is extracted, the body begins resorbing the surrounding bone almost immediately. Studies show that up to 50% of the ridge width can be lost within the first year after extraction, with continued vertical and horizontal loss over subsequent years. Patients who have been missing teeth for several years, those with a history of periodontal disease that destroyed supporting bone, and those who experienced traumatic extractions often present with insufficient bone for implant placement. Without grafting, implants placed in inadequate bone have significantly higher failure rates, poor aesthetic outcomes, and compromised long-term function.
Our approach to bone grafting is guided by three-dimensional CBCT imaging that allows us to measure the exact height, width, and density of the available bone at each potential implant site. We determine the type and extent of grafting needed before surgery, select the appropriate graft material based on the clinical requirements, and plan the timing of grafting relative to implant placement. In some cases, the graft and implant can be placed simultaneously; in others, the graft must heal for four to six months before the site is ready for implant placement. Every decision is driven by evidence-based protocols and the goal of achieving the most predictable long-term result for each patient.
Related Dental Services
Serving Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro & Washington County
Aloha Dental Specialty Center is located at 18455 SW Alexander St, Suite A, in Beaverton, Or 97003egon. We serve patients from across the Tualatin Valley and greater Portland metro, including Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Tualatin. Our Beaverton office is a 5-minute drive from Aloha, 10 minutes from Hillsboro, and 15 minutes from Tigard via SW 185th Avenue.
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Intel Campuses (Ronler Acres & Jones Farm)
10 to 15 minutes via NW 185th Ave. We accommodate the schedules of tech professionals who need efficient, high-quality specialty care.
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Nike World Headquarters
About 8 minutes via SW Baseline Rd. We frequently see patients from the Nike campus for surgical and implant procedures with sedation options.
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Streets of Tanasbourne & Orenco Station
Easily accessible via US-26 and NW 185th. Local general dentists in these communities regularly refer patients to us for specialty procedures.
Why Local Dentists Refer to Us
We work as a trusted partner to general dentists throughout the Tualatin Valley. When cases require CBCT-guided planning, IV sedation, bone grafting, or other advanced procedures, local providers refer to our specialists for their fellowship-trained expertise and predictable results.
We handle the complex phases and coordinate closely with your general dentist for smooth continuity of care from start to finish.
Understanding Your Investment
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we provide transparent pricing before any treatment begins. The cost of your procedure depends on clinical complexity, materials used, and sedation requirements. We walk you through every line item during your consultation so there are no surprises.
What Affects Cost:
- Clinical Complexity: Bone loss, sinus proximity, nerve involvement, or the need for grafting affects treatment planning and surgical time.
- Materials: We use research-backed implant systems, purified bone graft matrices, and high-strength ceramics from established manufacturers.
- Sedation: Options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation, each with different associated costs. We discuss the best option for your comfort and procedure.
Insurance & Financing
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and submits pre-treatment estimates with clinical documentation to maximize coverage.
For out-of-pocket costs, we partner with CareCredit and Cherry for flexible payment plans. We also offer our ADSC Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance.
Recovery After Bone Grafting Surgery
First 48–72 Hours
Swelling and mild to moderate discomfort are expected after bone grafting. Apply ice packs to the outside of the face (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first 24 to 48 hours. Take prescribed medications — typically an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory pain reliever — on schedule. Eat soft, cool foods and avoid the surgical side. Do not use a straw, spit forcefully, or smoke, as negative pressure can dislodge the graft material. Small granules of graft material may appear at the surgical site — this is normal and does not indicate graft failure. Sleep with your head improved on two pillows to reduce swelling.
Weeks 1–4
Swelling subsides significantly within the first week. Sutures are typically removed at seven to fourteen days depending on the graft type. Gradually reintroduce firmer foods as comfort allows, but avoid chewing directly on the grafted area for three to four weeks. Continue meticulous oral hygiene — gentle brushing near the site, rinsing with prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash, and avoiding vigorous flossing at the surgical area. If a temporary denture or flipper is being worn, follow our instructions regarding when and how to use it to avoid putting pressure on the graft.
Months 2–6
The bone graft undergoes a biological process of remodeling during which the graft particles are gradually replaced by your own living bone cells. Socket preservation grafts typically mature in three to four months. Larger ridge augmentation or sinus lift grafts may require five to six months of healing. We monitor healing with periodic clinical evaluation and CBCT imaging to confirm adequate bone volume and density before scheduling implant placement. Rushing this phase compromises graft quality and implant success — patience during healing is one of the most important factors in achieving a long-lasting implant outcome.
Graft Biology: How Bone Regeneration Works at the Cellular Level
Bone grafting harnesses three biological mechanisms — osteoconduction, osteoinduction, and osteogenesis — to regenerate functional bone at deficient implant sites. Osteoconduction provides a scaffold structure that guides the migration of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) from the surrounding native bone into the graft site. Mineralized allograft (processed human donor bone) and xenograft materials (bovine-derived bone mineral such as Bio-Oss) function primarily through this mechanism, providing a biocompatible lattice that supports new bone formation. Osteoinduction refers to the recruitment and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts through growth factors such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and certain recombinant growth factors provide osteoinductive properties. Osteogenesis — the formation of new bone by living cells within the graft itself — occurs only with autogenous (patient’s own) bone, which contains viable osteoblasts and progenitor cells. At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we select graft materials based on the specific defect size, location, and biological requirements of each case. For socket preservation, a particulate allograft or xenograft covered with a resorbable collagen membrane is typically sufficient. For larger defects requiring significant volume augmentation, we may combine autogenous bone harvested from the ramus or chin with a particulate extender and a titanium-reinforced membrane for guided bone regeneration (GBR). Sinus lifts use a combination of allograft and xenograft particulate to improve the Schneiderian membrane and create bone height for implant placement in the posterior maxilla. Every material we use has extensive published research supporting its safety, biocompatibility, and clinical effectiveness in implant site development.
Why Choose a Specialist for Bone Grafting Before Implants?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that directly determines whether your dental implant will succeed or fail. The volume, density, and three-dimensional positioning of the regenerated bone must precisely match the requirements of the planned implant. At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, Dr. Ostovar is a fellowship-trained oral surgeon who has performed thousands of bone grafting procedures across the full spectrum of complexity — from single-site socket preservation to bilateral sinus lifts to full-arch ridge reconstruction. This volume of surgical experience translates into refined technique, predictable outcomes, and the ability to manage complications efficiently if they arise. Our practice uses in-office CBCT imaging for every grafting case, allowing the surgeon to visualize the defect in three dimensions, select the best graft type and volume, and plan the surgical approach before the first incision. We offer IV sedation administered by qualified personnel for patient comfort during longer or more complex grafting procedures. When your general dentist or implant restorative dentist refers you to our practice for bone grafting, they are ensuring that the surgical foundation of your implant is built by a specialist whose training and daily practice are focused specifically on this type of surgery.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book a consultation with our board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Call (503) 822-0096 Office hours: Monday through Friday 7 AM to 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM. or request an appointment online.
Related Services at Aloha Dental Specialty Center:
Dental Implants · Oral Surgery · Root Canal · Invisalign · Periodontics · Pediatric · TMJ Treatment · Sedation · Cosmetic · Emergency · Sleep Apnea
From Dr. Ostovar: What I Tell My Implant Patients
“In my experience placing thousands of dental implants, I’ve found that the patients who do best are the ones who understand what they’re getting into. It’s not a painful procedure — most people tell me it was easier than the extraction. But it is a process. You’re looking at 3-6 months from implant placement to final crown, sometimes longer if we need to build bone first.
I won’t sugarcoat it: not every patient is a candidate right away. If you’ve had teeth missing for years, you’ve likely lost bone. That doesn’t mean you can’t get implants — it means we may need a bone graft or sinus lift first. I’d rather take the time to build a solid foundation than rush and risk failure.
The materials matter too. We use Nobel Biocare and Straumann titanium implants — these are the systems with the best long-term research behind them. For the crown, I typically recommend zirconia or e.max porcelain depending on the location in your mouth. Front teeth get a different material consideration than molars.
If you’re comparing costs, a single implant at our Beaverton office runs $3,500-$5,500 including the crown. That’s competitive for the Portland metro area, and we offer CareCredit 0% financing. Most PPO dental insurance plans now cover a portion of implant costs — our team will verify your benefits before we start.”
— Dr. Merat Ostovar, DDS | Board-Certified Implant Specialist
Many patients tell me they’ve been putting off bone grafting for implants because they’re unsure what to expect. That’s completely understandable — and you’re not alone.
Are You a Candidate for Bone Grafting For Implants?
Most patients in good general health are candidates for bone grafting for implants. However, certain factors may affect your eligibility or require modifications to the treatment plan:
- Medical conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or blood-thinning medications may require coordination with your physician before treatment.
- Bone quality: For bone grafting for implants involving the jawbone, adequate bone density is essential. A CBCT 3D scan during your consultation determines this precisely.
- Smoking: Tobacco use significantly impairs healing. We strongly recommend quitting 2-4 weeks before and after any surgical procedure.
- Age: There is generally no upper age limit. What matters is your overall health, not your age. We have successfully treated patients in their 80s and 90s.
The only way to know for certain is a consultation with our board-certified specialists. Call (503) 822-0096 to schedule your evaluation — we’ll tell you honestly whether this is the right treatment for your situation.
Typical Healing Timeline:
Days 1-3: Initial healing, mild swelling managed with ice and medication. Days 4-7: Swelling subsides, gradual return to normal diet. Weeks 2-4: Soft tissue heals completely. Months 2-6: Bone remodeling and full integration (for surgical procedures). Individual recovery varies — we provide detailed post-op instructions specific to your procedure.
For additional clinical information, visit the American Dental Association (ADA).
Last reviewed by our dental specialists: March 2026. Clinical information on this page reflects current evidence-based dental practices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting for Implants
Why do I need bone grafting before a dental implant?
Dental implants require a minimum volume and density of jawbone to integrate successfully and support long-term function. When bone has been lost due to tooth extraction, periodontal disease, trauma, or prolonged edentulism (missing teeth), the remaining bone may be insufficient in height, width, or both. Bone grafting rebuilds the bone to the dimensions needed for implant placement, creating a stable foundation that supports osseointegration — the biological fusion of the implant surface with living bone. Without adequate bone, implants have significantly higher failure rates and poorer aesthetic outcomes.
What types of bone graft materials are used?
There are four categories of bone graft material: autogenous bone (harvested from the patient’s own body, such as the chin or jaw ramus), allograft (processed human donor bone from a tissue bank), xenograft (animal-derived bone mineral, typically bovine), and synthetic/alloplastic materials (laboratory-produced ceramics such as beta-tricalcium phosphate). Each has different biological properties. We select the material based on the defect size, location, and biological requirements. Many cases use a combination of materials to optimize both the scaffolding and biological activity of the graft.
Is bone graft material safe?
Yes. All graft materials used at our practice are sourced from accredited tissue banks (for allograft), established biomedical manufacturers (for xenograft and synthetics), and have undergone rigorous processing, sterilization, and testing. Human donor bone (allograft) is screened, tested, and processed according to American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) standards and FDA regulations. Bovine-derived xenograft (such as Bio-Oss) has been used in hundreds of thousands of dental procedures worldwide over three decades with an excellent safety record. We only use materials with extensive published research supporting their safety and effectiveness.
What is socket preservation and when is it done?
Socket preservation (also called ridge preservation) is a bone grafting procedure performed immediately after a tooth is extracted. Graft material is placed into the extraction socket and covered with a collagen membrane to prevent soft tissue from collapsing into the space. This preserves the height and width of the bone ridge, preventing the significant bone resorption that naturally occurs after extraction. Socket preservation is recommended whenever the extracted tooth will eventually be replaced with an implant — it is far easier and more predictable to preserve bone at the time of extraction than to try to rebuild it later.
What is a sinus lift and when is it needed?
A sinus lift (sinus floor elevation) is a grafting procedure that adds bone height in the posterior upper jaw, where the maxillary sinus naturally occupies the space above the tooth roots. After teeth in this area are lost, the sinus may expand (pneumatize) and the remaining bone between the sinus floor and the ridge crest becomes too thin for implant placement. During the procedure, we improve the sinus membrane through a lateral window or through the implant osteotomy site (crestal approach), then pack graft material beneath the membrane to create the bone height needed for implant placement. Sinus lifts are among the most predictable and well-documented grafting procedures in implant dentistry.
How long does bone grafting take to heal?
Healing time depends on the type and extent of the graft. Socket preservation grafts typically mature in three to four months. Lateral ridge augmentation grafts require four to six months. Sinus lift grafts need five to nine months depending on the volume of bone needed and the graft materials used. During this time, the graft particles are gradually remodeled and replaced by your own living bone through a process called creeping substitution. We monitor healing with clinical evaluation and CBCT imaging before clearing the site for implant placement.
Can bone grafting and implant placement be done at the same time?
In many cases, yes. When there is sufficient native bone to achieve primary stability of the implant, we can place the graft material around the implant simultaneously. This is common with socket preservation (immediate implant placement with guided bone regeneration) and crestal-approach sinus lifts where the remaining bone is 5 mm or more. However, when the bone deficiency is severe and cannot provide initial implant stability, a staged approach — grafting first, followed by implant placement after healing — is the safer and more predictable option. We determine the best approach based on CBCT measurements and surgical assessment.
Is bone grafting painful?
Bone grafting is performed under local anesthesia, and we offer IV sedation for patients who want to be comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. You should not feel pain during the surgery. Post-operatively, most patients describe the discomfort as moderate — comparable to a tooth extraction. Swelling is the most common complaint and peaks at 48 to 72 hours. Prescribed anti-inflammatory medications and cold compresses manage discomfort effectively. Patients who undergo larger grafting procedures (sinus lifts or block grafts) may experience more swelling than those who have simple socket preservation.
What is guided bone regeneration (GBR)?
Guided bone regeneration is a technique that uses a barrier membrane — either resorbable (collagen) or non-resorbable (titanium-reinforced PTFE) — to prevent soft tissue cells from invading the graft site and to create a protected space where bone cells can regenerate undisturbed. The membrane is placed over the graft material and secured to the surrounding bone. Soft tissue heals over the membrane, while underneath, osteoblasts from the native bone migrate into the graft scaffold and form new bone. GBR is one of the most well-documented and predictable techniques in implant site development.
What are the risks of bone grafting?
Bone grafting is a well-established surgical procedure with a high success rate, but like any surgery, it carries some risks. These include infection at the graft site, graft failure (loss of graft material before integration), wound dehiscence (opening of the surgical site), sinus membrane perforation during sinus lifts, temporary numbness if the procedure is near the inferior alveolar nerve, and excessive swelling. At our practice, the overall complication rate is low due to our surgical experience, sterile technique, and evidence-based protocols. We discuss all potential risks during your consultation and provide detailed post-operative instructions to minimize complications.
How do I know if I need bone grafting for my implant?
The determination is made through clinical examination and CBCT imaging. We measure the available bone height, width, and density at the planned implant site and compare these measurements to the requirements for the specific implant being placed. Generally, a minimum of 1 mm of bone should surround the implant on all sides, and the bone must provide adequate primary stability at the time of placement. If the available bone does not meet these criteria, grafting is indicated. Some patients are surprised to learn they need grafting — bone loss often occurs silently and is not visible or palpable from the outside.
Will my insurance cover bone grafting for implants?
Insurance coverage for bone grafting varies significantly by plan. Some dental insurance plans cover bone grafting as a surgical procedure, while others exclude it if it is related to implant placement. Medical insurance may cover grafting in certain circumstances — such as bone loss due to trauma or pathology. Our administrative team investigates both dental and medical benefits, submits pre-authorization with clinical documentation including CBCT images, and provides you with a clear estimate of your out-of-pocket costs. CareCredit, Cherry financing, and our ADSC Dental Savings Plan are available for any remaining balance. Treatment costs vary by complexity. Contact us at (503) 822-0096 for a personalized estimate with insurance benefits calculated.
Can I get implants if I have been told I don’t have enough bone?
In the vast majority of cases, yes. Bone grafting techniques have advanced to the point where even patients with severe bone loss can be rebuilt to the point where implants are possible. Socket preservation, ridge augmentation, sinus lifts, block grafts, and distraction osteogenesis are all tools in our surgical repertoire for creating bone where it is insufficient. The treatment may take longer due to grafting and healing time, but the end result — a fully functional implant in rebuilt bone — is achievable for most patients. During your consultation, we assess your specific anatomy and provide an honest timeline for your treatment.
What is the difference between a bone graft and a membrane?
A bone graft is the material placed to fill the bony defect and serve as a scaffold for new bone formation. A membrane is a barrier placed over the graft to protect it from soft tissue ingrowth and create a stable environment for bone regeneration. They work together — the graft provides the scaffolding and the membrane provides the protection. Resorbable collagen membranes dissolve on their own over four to six months. Non-resorbable membranes (titanium-reinforced PTFE) maintain their barrier function longer and require a second minor procedure for removal, but they are more effective for larger defects that need extended protection.
How successful is bone grafting for dental implants?
Bone grafting procedures used in implant dentistry have well-documented success rates. Socket preservation maintains ridge dimensions in 85–95% of cases. Lateral ridge augmentation with guided bone regeneration achieves adequate bone volume for implant placement in approximately 90–97% of cases. Sinus lift procedures have a success rate of 94–100% in published systematic reviews. When performed by experienced surgical specialists using evidence-based materials and techniques, bone grafting is a highly predictable procedure that enables implant placement in sites that would otherwise be untreatable.
Your Bone Grafting For Implants Treatment Steps
- Consultation & Exam: Comprehensive bone grafting for implants evaluation with CBCT 3D imaging at our Beaverton office.
- Treatment Plan: Board-certified specialist reviews findings and presents your personalized options.
- Treatment: Procedure performed with comfort options including IV sedation if needed.
- Follow-Up: Post-treatment monitoring and care coordination to ensure best healing.
Schedule Your Bone Grafting Consultation
If you have been told you need bone grafting before dental implant placement — or if you have been told you do not have enough bone for implants — our surgical team can evaluate your situation with CBCT imaging and develop a plan to rebuild the foundation your implants need. Call today.
Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine | Implant & Specialty Dentistry | 15+ Years Experience
Aloha Dental Specialty Center — Serving Aloha, Beaverton, Hillsboro & Greater Portland
Last updated: March 19, 2026