Implant Removal Explantation
Implant Removal Explantation is a specialized dental service provided by the board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Transplanting a solid block of bone to rebuild severely deficient ridges for implant placement.
When Granular Graft Is Not Enough, a Solid Block of Bone Does the Job
Block bone grafting is a more aggressive augmentation technique used when the ridge deficiency is too large for particulate (granular) grafting alone. Instead of packing loose particles into a defect, a solid block of bone — harvested from the patient's own jaw (chin or ramus), a donor bone bank, or shaped from a xenograft block — is secured to the deficient ridge with small titanium screws. The block maintains its shape under soft-tissue pressure and provides both structural support and a scaffold for new bone formation.
Block grafts are typically indicated when horizontal ridge width needs to increase by more than 4 millimeters, or when vertical height gain of more than 3 to 4 millimeters is needed. These are defects where particulate grafts alone cannot maintain their volume — the soft tissue compresses the graft, and the final bone volume falls short. A rigid block resists this compression. Dr. Ostovar fixes the block with one to two micro-screws, fills any gaps with particulate graft, and covers the entire site with a membrane.
The donor site for autogenous block grafts is typically the mandibular ramus (the vertical portion of the lower jaw behind the last molar) or the chin. Ramus grafts provide cortical-cancellous bone with excellent osteogenic potential and reasonable volume. The donor site heals without visible external scarring. For patients who prefer to avoid a second surgical site, allogeneic bone blocks (donor bank) or xenograft blocks provide an alternative, though they lack the living cells that autogenous bone provides.
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 Dr. Ostovar for his fellowship-trained expertise and predictable results.
We handle the complex surgical phases and coordinate closely with your general dentist for seamless 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 & Healing Timeline
Understanding the healing process helps you plan ahead and follow post-operative instructions for the best possible outcome.
First 48 Hours
Mild swelling and tenderness are normal. Apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals and take prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Eat soft foods and avoid the surgical site when chewing.
Days 3 to 7
Swelling peaks around day three and then improves. The tissue begins closing over the surgical site. Continue with soft foods and use any prescribed antimicrobial rinse. Most patients return to normal activities during this phase.
Long-Term Healing
Surface tissue heals within two to three weeks. Bone integration and deep healing continue for three to six months. Avoid smoking, follow up as scheduled, and maintain good oral hygiene throughout recovery.
Questions during recovery? Call us at (503) 822-0096. We are available for post-operative concerns.
Revascularization of Block Grafts: From Transplant to Living Bone
A transplanted bone block initially survives on diffusion — nutrients passing through the tissue fluid from surrounding blood vessels. Within the first two weeks, capillaries from the recipient bed begin to invade the graft periphery. Osteoclasts from the host bone resorb the graft surface, creating channels for blood vessel ingrowth. Osteoblasts follow, depositing new bone on the graft scaffold in a process called creeping substitution. Autogenous blocks revascularize faster because they contain living osteocytes and osteoblasts that contribute to immediate bone formation. Allogeneic and xenograft blocks rely entirely on host-cell invasion, which takes longer but still produces adequate bone volume if given sufficient healing time (five to six months). Block graft resorption of 10 to 25 percent is expected and accounted for in the surgical planning.
Why Choose a Specialist?
Block bone grafting is technically demanding. The block must be shaped to fit the recipient site contour precisely, fixed rigidly to prevent micromotion (which leads to fibrous healing instead of bone formation), and covered with soft tissue that achieves tension-free closure. Harvesting from the ramus requires knowledge of the inferior alveolar nerve position to avoid injury. Dr. Ostovar has performed block grafts in cases where particulate augmentation had already failed, rebuilding ridges that other clinicians considered untreatable. His CBCT-guided planning and surgical precision minimize resorption and maximize graft-to-implant conversion.
Your Implant Removal Explantation Treatment Steps
- Consultation & Exam: Comprehensive implant removal explantation evaluation with CBCT 3D imaging at our Beaverton office.
- Treatment Plan: Board-certified specialist discusses your implant removal explantation options, timeline, and costs. Our procedures maintain a 95%+ success rate, backed by advanced 3D imaging and evidence-based protocols.
- Treatment: Procedure performed with comfort options including sedation if needed.
- Follow-Up: Post-treatment monitoring and care coordination for optimal healing.
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
If you’ve been hesitant about implant removal explantation, I want you to know that’s a common feeling. Most patients tell us afterward that it was much easier than they anticipated.
Are You a Candidate for Implant Removal Explantation?
Most patients in good general health are candidates for implant removal explantation. 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 implant removal explantation 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.
Related Dental Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a block bone graft?
A block bone graft uses a solid piece of bone — rather than loose granules — to rebuild a severely deficient jaw ridge. The block is harvested from your own jaw, sourced from a bone bank, or fabricated from processed bovine bone. It is screwed to the ridge and left to integrate for five to six months before implant placement.
When is a block graft needed instead of a particulate graft?
Block grafts are indicated when the ridge needs more than 4 mm of horizontal width gain or more than 3 to 4 mm of vertical height. Particulate grafts cannot maintain their shape under these conditions — the soft tissue compresses them. A solid block resists compression and maintains the intended volume.
Where does the bone block come from?
Three sources are common: autogenous (your own bone from the chin or ramus of the lower jaw), allograft (donor bank bone from a cadaver, thoroughly processed and sterilized), and xenograft blocks (processed bovine bone shaped into blocks). Autogenous bone has the highest success rate because it contains living bone cells.
Is there a second surgical site if my own bone is used?
Yes. If autogenous bone is harvested from your chin or ramus, there is a donor site that needs to heal. This area may have temporary numbness, swelling, and discomfort for one to two weeks. The chin donor site is hidden beneath the lower lip and heals without visible external scarring. Ramus harvesting leaves no visible scar.
How long does a block graft take to heal before implants can be placed?
Five to six months. Block grafts need longer to revascularize and integrate than particulate grafts because of their dense structure. A CBCT scan at five months confirms bone maturity. Premature implant placement before the graft has fully integrated risks graft failure.
How much does a block bone graft cost?
Block grafts typically cost $2,000 to $5,000 per site, depending on whether autogenous or allogeneic bone is used. Autogenous grafts with a second surgical site cost more. The cost is in addition to the subsequent implant placement. Exact pricing is included in your comprehensive treatment plan.
Is block grafting painful?
The recipient site discomfort is similar to ridge augmentation. If autogenous bone is harvested from the chin or ramus, the donor site adds moderate discomfort for one to two weeks. IV sedation is recommended for block graft procedures. Post-operative pain management includes prescription medications for the first three to five days.
What are the risks of block bone grafting?
Risks include graft resorption (10 to 25 percent of volume), infection, graft exposure through the soft tissue, and donor site morbidity (numbness or discomfort at the harvest site). Screw loosening can cause graft mobility and failure. Dr. Ostovar's fixation technique and soft-tissue management minimize these risks.
Can block grafts fail?
Yes. Failure rates are approximately 5 to 10 percent and are most commonly caused by graft exposure (soft-tissue dehiscence), infection, or insufficient fixation. Smoking dramatically increases failure risk. If a block graft fails, the site is debrided, healed, and a second grafting attempt can be made.
What are the small screws used to fix the block?
Titanium micro-screws (1.5 to 2.0 mm diameter) hold the block rigidly against the recipient ridge. These screws are removed in a brief procedure when the implant is placed five to six months later. Removal takes minutes and is done under local anesthesia at the same time as the implant surgery.
Is there an alternative to block grafting for severe bone loss?
Depending on the location, alternatives include zygomatic implants (for the upper jaw), pterygoid implants, distraction osteogenesis, or titanium mesh with particulate graft. Short implants in available bone may also be an option. Dr. Ostovar evaluates all alternatives before recommending block grafting.
Can a block graft and implant be placed at the same time?
Rarely. Block grafts need time to revascularize and integrate before they can bear the mechanical stress of an implant. Placing an implant into an unintegrated block graft risks micromotion and failure of both the graft and the implant. Staged treatment (graft first, then implant) is the safe approach.
How do I care for the graft site after surgery?
Strict soft-food diet for three to four weeks. No smoking. Gentle chlorhexidine rinses starting 24 hours post-surgery. No brushing over the surgical site for one week. Avoid any trauma to the area — even sleeping on that side should be avoided for the first week. Follow-up appointments at one week and four weeks.
Will I see any scarring from the block graft?
No. Both the recipient and donor sites are inside the mouth, so there is no visible external scarring. The intraoral incisions heal within two to three weeks and are not visible during normal conversation or smiling.
What happens to the volume of the block graft over time?
Block grafts experience 10 to 25 percent volume resorption during the healing period, which is accounted for in the surgical planning. Once an implant is placed and loaded, the mechanical stimulation helps maintain the remaining bone volume long-term. Without an implant, gradual resorption continues.
Severely Thin Ridge? Block Grafting Can Rebuild It for Implants
Call our Beaverton office or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you.
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