A bone graft is a surgical procedure used to fix problems with bones or joints. Bone grafting, or transplanting of bone tissue, is beneficial in fixing bones that are damaged from trauma or problem joints.

In a bone graft procedure, the surgeon will take a section of bone from another area of your body, or – as is most often the case now – use a special bone grafting material, and graft it onto your jaw bone.

The bone used in a bone graft can come from your body or a donor, or it can be entirely synthetic. It can provide a framework where new, living bone can grow if it’s accepted by the body.

Bone grafts can repair damage from gum disease and may boost the chances of keeping your teeth.

When tooth loss has already occurred, a metal post can be inserted into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. This requires strong and ample bone to form a stable base. If there is not enough bone present a bone graft is needed before you can get an implant.