One should not confuse Bone grafting with sinus lift (artificial bone graft). If the lack of bone is too great to insert implants, a bone graft may be necessary. This procedure is often necessary in cases of prolonged dental absence which can lead to bone resorption in the jaw.

An X-ray examination will determine if an implant can be inserted as is or if the lack of bone must be filled in. If the lack of bone is too great, a bone graft will be necessary. This procedure is performed by a maxillofacial surgeon who removes a piece of bone from your hip, tibia or maxillofacial bone and grafts it into your gum.
After healing, the implantologist can place the implants in the grafted bone.