Ridge Preservation

Performed immediately after a tooth is extracted, before bone loss has a chance to occur. Once a tooth is removed, the surrounding "ridge" of bone naturally begins to shrink within months, since it's no longer stimulated by the tooth root. Placing graft material into the socket straight after extraction minimises that collapse, keeping the ridge wide and tall enough to support a future implant. These self-absorbable graft materials stimulate bone formation and optimise the bone volume. If bone was already damaged due to pre-existing infection, this technique can regenerate the missing bone. The aim of this procedure is to make dental implant surgery easier and less complicated.

Sinus Lift

Specific to the upper back jaw. The maxillary sinuses sit close to the roots of the upper molars, and in some people extend further down, leaving too little bone height for an implant in that area. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus floor membrane and packs graft material into the space created beneath it, building the vertical bone height needed for a stable implant.

Both procedures may be combined with implant placement in the same visit, or done as a separate step beforehand, depending on your individual case.

Am I a candidate?

Most patients who lack sufficient bone volume for an implant are candidates for grafting — insufficient volume is common after long-term tooth loss, gum disease, or in the natural anatomy of the upper jaw. A 3D bone scan during your consultation determines exactly how much grafting, if any, is needed, and whether ridge preservation or a sinus lift is the appropriate approach.