Open: Mon – Sat 9:00am-6:00pm | Sun – Closed
Bone grafting in Sydney at Paynless Dental rebuilds lost or resorbed jawbone — creating a stable foundation for dental implants when insufficient bone volume exists. Bone loss occurs after tooth extraction, periodontal disease, injury or long-term tooth absence. A CBCT 3D scan at your implant consultation confirms whether a bone graft is needed — many patients have sufficient bone for direct implant placement without grafting. Where a graft is required, options include socket preservation at extraction, minor site-specific grafts, sinus lifts for upper jaw deficiencies and full ridge augmentation. Available at Toongabbie, North Ryde and Blacktown. Written quote before treatment. Call (02) 8677 9094.
For independent information: PMC — Bone Grafting in Implant Dentistry (peer-reviewed) · ADA — teeth.org.au
| Purpose | Rebuild lost jawbone to support dental implants · preserve socket after extraction · treat bone defects from gum disease or injury |
| Clinics | Toongabbie · North Ryde · Blacktown (24×7 Dental Suite) |
| Socket preservation | From $300–$800 per site · placed at time of extraction · reduces bone loss by up to 50–70% |
| Minor graft (site-specific) | From $500–$1,500+ per site · depends on defect size and graft material |
| Ridge augmentation | $1,500–$3,000+ per site · for larger defects requiring significant volume restoration |
| Sinus lift (internal) | $800–$2,000 · minimally invasive · for minor upper jaw height deficiency |
| Sinus lift (external) | $1,500–$5,000 · for significant upper jaw height deficiency |
| Healing before implant | 3–6 months · confirmed by healing CBCT scan |
| Total implant timeline | 9–18 months graft to final crown (varies by case) |
| Assessment | CBCT 3D scan at implant consultation — confirms whether graft is needed |
| Graft materials used | Autogenous (own bone) · allograft (donor/synthetic) · xenograft (bovine) · GBR membranes |
| Simultaneous graft + implant? | Possible in selected cases where implant achieves primary stability — discussed at consultation |
| Health fund | Major dental rebates apply · HICAPS on-the-spot |
| Payment plans | Afterpay · Humm · Denticare · TLC · Zip |
| Saturday hours | Toongabbie 9:30am–4:00pm · North Ryde & Blacktown 9:30am–3:00pm |
| Phone | Toongabbie & North Ryde: (02) 8677 9094 · Blacktown: (02) 8809 2221 |
Prepared by: Paynless Dental Editorial Team Clinical review: Dr Payal Gupta · Principal Dentist · AHPRA Registered Dentist
Reviewed: July 2026 · Next scheduled review: July 2027
This page provides general educational information about dental bone grafting procedures in Sydney based on current clinical evidence and published peer-reviewed literature. It is not a substitute for personalised dental advice. Treatment suitability, risks, costs and outcomes vary significantly between patients and are determined at individual consultation. Individual patient testimonials are not reproduced on this page in compliance with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and AHPRA advertising guidelines.
Jawbone requires stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its volume and density. When teeth are lost — or when disease damages the supporting bone — resorption begins and accelerates over time. Research shows that 25% of bone volume can be lost within the first year after extraction, and up to 40–60% over three years without socket preservation or replacement.
When a tooth is removed, the bone that surrounded the root loses its mechanical stimulation and resorbs immediately. Without socket preservation grafting, significant bone volume is lost within 3–12 months — making future implant placement more complex or requiring a larger graft.
Prevention: Socket preservation graft placed at the time of extraction significantly reduces bone loss. The cost is far lower than a separate graft later — discuss before extraction proceeds.
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) progressively destroys the bone that supports the teeth. Bacteria penetrate below the gumline, triggering an immune response that breaks down bone — creating pockets, loosening teeth and leaving defects requiring grafting before implants can be placed.
Important: Gum disease must be fully treated and stable before bone grafting or implant placement can proceed.
Jaw injuries can fracture or destroy bone directly. Long-term tooth absence without replacement allows progressive resorption over years — the longer a gap is left, the greater the bone loss and the more complex grafting required. This is why early implant planning is advantageous.
Note: A CBCT scan quantifies exactly how much bone remains and what type of graft is needed before any decision is made.
A standard dental implant (3.5–5mm diameter, 8–12mm length) requires approximately 6–8mm of vertical bone height and 5–6mm of horizontal bone width at the implant site. Less than this and augmentation is typically needed.
Short implants (6mm or less) and mini implants are alternatives for reduced-bone situations — your dentist advises whether these are appropriate for your specific case and expected load.
Your dentist recommends the most appropriate graft material based on defect size and location, your medical history, the volume of bone needed and the planned implant. All options are discussed with a written quote at your assessment.
Bone harvested from another site in your own body — usually the posterior lower jaw (ramus) or chin area. Contains live bone-forming cells and growth factors. Considered the gold standard for large defects requiring maximum predictability.
Advantages: No rejection risk · live cells integrate rapidly · excellent for large defects
Disadvantage: Requires a second surgical site · additional recovery
Processed human donor bone or synthetic bone substitute (hydroxyapatite). Rigorously sterilised to remove cells while preserving the scaffold structure for new bone to grow into. The most commonly used material — eliminates the need for a second surgical site.
Advantages: No second surgical site · available in any volume · well-documented outcomes
Best for: Socket preservation · moderate defects
Processed bovine bone mineral — deproteinised and sterilised, leaving only the mineral scaffold. Excellent for volume maintenance with slow, controlled resorption. The scaffold is gradually replaced by the patient’s own bone over months to years.
Advantages: Good long-term volume stability · slow resorption maintains space
Best for: Socket preservation · sinus lifts · sites requiring maintained volume
A barrier membrane placed over the graft material — preventing faster-growing soft tissue cells from invading the graft site and competing with bone-forming cells. Creates a protected space for predictable bone regeneration.
Resorbable membranes: Dissolve over weeks to months — no second procedure
Non-resorbable membranes: Titanium or dense PTFE — require a second visit to remove · used for larger augmentations
Outcome: Significantly improves graft results in challenging sites
Many patients arrive assuming they need bone grafting when a CBCT scan confirms they have sufficient bone for direct implant placement. Others genuinely need grafting — and some have alternatives that avoid it entirely. Here is how your dentist makes that determination.
| Situation | Bone Graft Needed? | What’s Possible |
|---|---|---|
| Sufficient bone height (>8mm) and width (>6mm) at implant site | No | Direct implant placement — no grafting required |
| Mild deficiency — bone slightly narrow or short | Maybe | Short or narrow implant · minor graft at same time as implant · simultaneous approach |
| Moderate deficiency — socket collapsed after extraction | Usually yes | Staged: graft first, heal 3–6 months, then implant |
| Upper back jaw — sinus too close to ridge | Yes (sinus lift) | Internal sinus lift (minor) · external sinus lift (significant deficiency) |
| Multiple missing teeth · significant ridge resorption | Yes — larger graft | Ridge augmentation · staged approach · or evaluate All-on-4 |
| Severely resorbed full arch — multiple extractions years ago | Consider All-on-4 | All-on-4 uses angled implants in available bone · specifically designed to avoid major grafting |
| Single tooth gap with adequate bone but tight space | No | Narrow diameter implant may be placed without grafting |
| Extraction + implant planned for the same site | Socket preservation | Preserve socket at extraction · simpler future implant · much lower cost than late grafting |
Yes — in many cases. All-on-4 uses four implants placed at angles to utilise available bone in the anterior and posterior jaw. The angled placement reaches denser bone regions even where significant ridge resorption has occurred. Many patients who have been told they have “too much bone loss” for conventional implants are candidates for All-on-4 without bone grafting. This is assessed by CBCT at your consultation. See dental implants →
A sinus lift (sinus augmentation) is a specific type of bone graft for the upper posterior jaw (upper molars and premolars area). When upper back teeth are lost, the maxillary sinus naturally expands downward — reducing the height of bone available for implant placement. A sinus lift elevates the sinus membrane and adds bone material below it, creating the height needed for a secure implant.
| Internal Sinus Lift (Crestal) | External Sinus Lift (Lateral) | |
|---|---|---|
| When it’s used | Mild height deficiency — 4–6mm of bone remaining below sinus | Significant deficiency — less than 4mm of bone below sinus |
| How it’s done | Sinus membrane elevated through the implant site (same incision) · minimally invasive | Window cut in the lateral sinus wall · membrane elevated from the side · more extensive |
| Bone gained | ~2–4mm additional height | 5–12mm or more additional height |
| Can implant go in at same time? | Often yes — simultaneous placement where bone gives stability | Sometimes — if ≥4mm of native bone remains · otherwise staged |
| Healing time | 3–6 months for graft integration | 4–9 months before implant if staged |
| Recovery | Mild swelling · return to work next day in most cases | Swelling and bruising 5–7 days · 1–2 weeks off contact sport |
| Indicative cost | $800–$2,000 per side | $1,500–$5,000 per side |
| Success rate | Excellent when bone criteria met | Well-established procedure · 95%+ success in suitable patients |
Smoking is the single biggest modifiable risk factor for sinus lift failure. Nicotine impairs the blood supply to the graft site and the membrane repair mechanism. Patients are advised to stop smoking before the procedure and throughout the entire healing period. If you smoke, be honest about this at your consultation — your dentist can advise how to best manage this risk. The long-term outcome of implants in patients who quit smoking before grafting is significantly better than in those who continue.
One of the most common questions at bone graft consultations: “Can I have the graft and implant in the same surgery?” The answer depends on the size of the defect and whether the implant can achieve adequate primary stability at the time of placement.
| Staged Approach (Graft First, Implant Later) | Simultaneous Approach (Graft + Implant Same Surgery) | |
|---|---|---|
| When it’s used | Large bone defect · implant would not have enough initial stability without support · sinus lift with significant height gain needed | Mild to moderate defect · implant achieves good primary stability (torque >35 Ncm) · minor bone fill around implant threads |
| Number of surgeries | Two: (1) bone graft, (2) implant placement after healing | One: graft and implant placed at the same appointment |
| Timeline to final crown | 9–18 months (graft healing 3–6 months + implant osseointegration 3–6 months + crown) | 6–12 months (osseointegration 3–6 months + crown) · saves 3–6 months |
| Predictability | Higher for large defects — graft integrates fully before implant load | Excellent for suitable cases where defect is minor |
| Cost | Higher — two separate surgical fees | Lower overall — single surgical session · fewer appointments |
| Who decides? | Your dentist — based on CBCT bone measurements, implant stability at time of placement and defect geometry. This cannot be determined without a scan and clinical assessment. | |
A CBCT cone beam CT scan maps the exact bone volume, density and anatomy at the proposed implant site — including the proximity of the inferior alveolar nerve (lower jaw) and the maxillary sinus (upper jaw). This determines whether a bone graft is needed, what type and volume are required, and whether staged or simultaneous placement is appropriate. Written itemised quote at this appointment. No commitment to proceed required.
Performed under local anaesthetic. Sedation is available for anxious patients — discuss at consultation. A small incision in the gum exposes the bone defect. Graft material is placed and packed into the defect. A GBR membrane may be placed over the graft to protect it and guide bone formation. Stitches (typically dissolvable) close the site. Appointment duration: 30–90 minutes depending on complexity and the number of sites treated.
Mild swelling, soreness and sometimes bruising for 3–7 days — more pronounced after external sinus lifts. Pain is managed with ibuprofen and paracetamol as directed. Dissolvable stitches don’t need removal. A soft diet for 1–2 weeks protects the graft. A review appointment at 1–2 weeks checks healing and stitch dissolution.
Over 3–6 months, the body’s bone-forming cells migrate into the graft scaffold and progressively deposit new bone. The graft mineralises and becomes structurally part of the jaw. This phase requires no active treatment — regular soft dietary precautions, excellent oral hygiene and avoiding smoking. A progress X-ray or CBCT at the 3–6 month mark confirms readiness for implant placement.
Once the CBCT confirms sufficient bone integration, implant placement proceeds. In a staged approach this is a second surgical appointment (30–60 minutes). In a simultaneous approach, the implant was already placed at the grafting appointment. After implant placement, osseointegration (implant fusing to bone) takes a further 3–6 months before the final crown is attached. See dental implants →
| Timeframe | What’s Happening | What to Do / Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Local anaesthetic wears off · mild to moderate soreness begins · bleeding settles | Take ibuprofen + paracetamol as directed · soft foods only · ice pack to face (10 min on, 10 off) · rest · no rinsing |
| Days 2–5 | Peak swelling (typically worst Day 2–3) · bruising may appear · suture sites tender | Continue pain relief · warm salt water rinse from Day 2 (gentle) · avoid hot foods · no smoking, alcohol, straws · soft diet continues |
| Days 5–14 | Swelling reducing · pain largely resolved · dissolvable sutures beginning to dissolve | 1–2 week review appointment · return to most normal activities · avoid contact sport · gentle oral hygiene around graft site |
| Weeks 3–8 | Soft tissue fully healed over graft site · early mineralisation beginning in graft scaffold | Normal diet can gradually resume · normal brushing away from graft site · avoid pressure directly on graft site · no smoking throughout |
| Months 1–3 | Graft scaffold filling with new bone · density increasing progressively | No special restrictions · maintain excellent oral hygiene · avoid trauma to the site · attend scheduled review |
| Month 3–6 | CBCT scan taken to assess integration · bone density and volume confirmed | CBCT review appointment · if integration confirmed → implant placement scheduled · if more time needed → monitored further |
| Month 6+ | Implant placed · osseointegration begins · temporary restoration if needed | Follow implant post-operative instructions → final crown 3–6 months later |
Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for bone graft failure. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing the blood supply to the healing graft. It also impairs the function of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and immune cells needed for graft integration. Studies show significantly higher graft failure rates in smokers. Patients are strongly advised to stop smoking before the procedure and throughout the entire healing period (minimum 3–6 months). If you smoke, discuss this openly at your consultation.
Socket preservation is a bone graft placed into the extraction socket immediately after tooth removal — before the gum closes over. It is the single most effective intervention to prevent bone loss after extraction and is far less expensive than treating bone deficiency later.
Socket preservation must be decided before extraction begins. Once a tooth is extracted without socket preservation, the bone resorption process begins immediately and cannot be fully reversed. If you are considering a future implant at the extraction site — or even if you’re unsure — discuss socket preservation at your extraction assessment. The cost of $300–$800 per site is a fraction of a staged bone augmentation procedure later. See tooth extraction page →
Bone grafting is classified as major dental or oral surgery — health fund major dental rebates apply. Five payment plan providers allow spreading the cost over time.
Bone grafting and associated surgical fees are generally claimable under major dental extras cover. Rebates vary significantly by fund and policy level — confirm your specific rebate by providing your quote’s ADA item codes to your fund before proceeding. HICAPS processes your claim on-the-spot. Annual limits apply — check your remaining balance before scheduling.
Bone grafting and implant costs can be combined with a payment plan. Denticare (up to $50,000 · no credit check · 12–60 months) and Humm (up to $30,000 · 12–24 months) are most suitable for larger implant + graft packages. Afterpay (up to ~$2,000) suits socket preservation at extraction. Your health fund rebate reduces the financed amount. See full payment options →
Eligible patients may be able to access superannuation early through the ATO on compassionate grounds for dental implant treatment — including associated bone grafting — where the procedure is necessary to alleviate acute or chronic pain or treat a medically necessary condition. Paynless Dental provides the written treatment plan and clinical documentation required for your ATO application. Eligibility is assessed by the ATO, not Paynless Dental. Seek independent financial advice. See ato.gov.au.
If bone grafting and implant treatment is required following a jaw or dental injury in a workplace accident, treatment may be covered under a SIRA NSW workers compensation claim. An accepted claim and insurer pre-approval are required. We provide treatment plans and itemised invoices for lodgement. See sira.nsw.gov.au.
Paynless Dental is a dental practice, not a financial adviser. Payment plan terms and eligibility set by respective providers. Superannuation subject to ATO assessment. Workers Compensation subject to SIRA NSW accepted claim. Written itemised quote before any treatment begins. See full payment options guide →
At Paynless Dental: socket preservation from $300–$800 per site (at time of extraction) · minor site graft from $500–$1,500+ per site · ridge augmentation $1,500–$3,000+ per site · internal sinus lift $800–$2,000 · external sinus lift $1,500–$5,000. Cost depends on graft type, defect size and complexity. Written itemised quote before any treatment. All health funds via HICAPS. Payment plans available. Call (02) 8677 9094.
Not always. A CBCT 3D scan at your implant consultation determines whether you have sufficient bone for direct implant placement. Many patients proceed without grafting. If bone is insufficient, grafting is required first — adding 3–6 months. In selected cases where a minor defect exists, a graft and implant can be placed simultaneously. Patients with severely resorbed ridges may be candidates for All-on-4, which avoids major grafting by using angled implants. Call (02) 8677 9094.
A sinus lift is a bone grafting procedure for the upper back jaw where the maxillary sinus has expanded downward after tooth loss, leaving insufficient bone height for an implant. An internal sinus lift (minimally invasive, $800–$2,000) is used for minor deficiencies. An external sinus lift ($1,500–$5,000) is used where significant height gain is needed. Whether you need one is confirmed by CBCT scan measuring the distance between the sinus floor and the ridge crest. Call (02) 8677 9094.
Soft tissue healing completes in 1–2 weeks. Bone graft integration takes 3–6 months before implant placement can proceed — confirmed by a healing CBCT scan. Total time from bone graft to final implant crown is typically 9–18 months depending on the type of graft and any additional healing required. Where simultaneous graft + implant is possible, the timeline may be shortened by 3–6 months. Call (02) 8677 9094.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic — it is not painful during surgery. Afterwards: mild to moderate swelling and soreness for 3–7 days, managed with ibuprofen and paracetamol. Bruising is common after external sinus lifts. Most patients take the day of and day after off work, then return to normal activity. Sedation is available for anxious patients — discuss at consultation. Call (02) 8677 9094.
Yes — in selected cases. If the bone defect is minor and the implant achieves good initial stability (primary stability) at placement, a graft can be placed around or at the implant site simultaneously — reducing the number of surgeries from two to one and shortening the overall timeline. Whether simultaneous placement is appropriate for you depends on the CBCT scan findings and is determined at consultation. Call (02) 8677 9094.
Yes — graft failure is uncommon in healthy non-smoking patients but can occur. The main risk factors are: smoking (the single biggest modifiable risk), uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications (bisphosphonates, immunosuppressants), infection at the graft site and inadequate initial blood supply. Patients are advised to stop smoking before and throughout the healing period. Patients on bisphosphonate medications (used for osteoporosis) must inform their dentist before any bone graft or implant surgery is planned. Call (02) 8677 9094.
Socket preservation is a bone graft placed into the extraction socket immediately after tooth removal, before the gum closes over. It reduces bone resorption by up to 50–70% compared to extraction alone — preserving ridge volume for a future implant. At Paynless Dental, socket preservation costs from $300–$800 per site and is completed at the same appointment as extraction. It must be decided before extraction proceeds. Call (02) 8677 9094 or see tooth extraction page →
At Paynless Dental: autogenous (your own bone — gold standard for large defects, contains live bone cells) · allograft (processed human donor bone or synthetic — most commonly used, no second surgical site) · xenograft (bovine bone mineral — excellent long-term volume stability) · GBR membranes (barrier membranes to guide bone regeneration, resorbable or non-resorbable). Your dentist recommends the most appropriate type based on your CBCT scan findings and clinical needs. Call (02) 8677 9094.
No — smoking is the single biggest risk factor for bone graft failure. Nicotine severely impairs blood supply to the healing graft and reduces bone-forming cell activity. Patients are strongly advised to stop smoking before the procedure and throughout the entire healing period (minimum 3–6 months). If you smoke, be honest about this at your consultation so your dentist can advise and factor this into treatment planning. Call (02) 8677 9094.
Bone grafting is generally covered under major dental extras in most private health fund policies — specific rebates depend on your fund and level of cover. Confirm by providing the ADA item codes from your written quote to your fund before your appointment. HICAPS processes your rebate on-the-spot. Annual limits apply. Payment plans available for the gap amount. Call (02) 8677 9094. See payment options →
Yes. Open Saturday — Toongabbie 9:30am–4:00pm, North Ryde and Blacktown 9:30am–3:00pm. Implant and bone graft consultations available Saturday. Book online at /book-appointment/ or call (02) 8677 9094.
All dentists providing bone grafting procedures at Paynless Dental are AHPRA-registered General Dentists. Choose your preferred dentist when booking — subject to availability. Verify registration at ahpra.gov.au →
BDS (Manipal University, 2004) · Further training in Dental Implantology & Progressive Orthodontics · Principal Dentist since 2011 · 20+ years · Clinical Reviewer
✓ Accepting New Patients
Toongabbie · North Ryde · Blacktown
BDS (James Cook University) · PG Dip. Implantology · PG Dip. Orthodontics · AHPRA Registered
✓ Accepting New Patients
Toongabbie only
BDS · FICOI — Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (USA) · 23+ years · AHPRA Registered
✓ Accepting New Patients
Toongabbie · North Ryde
His overseas Masters Prosthodontics is not an AHPRA-ratified specialist qualification.
BDS (MUHS India, 2007) · Invisalign Provider · 17+ years · AHPRA Registered
✓ Accepting New Patients
Toongabbie only
Her overseas MDS in Orthodontics is not an AHPRA-ratified specialist qualification.
Affiliated partner clinic. Call ahead for bone graft consultation availability.
Prepared by: Paynless Dental Editorial Team Clinical review: Dr Payal Gupta · Principal Dentist · AHPRA Registered Dentist
Reviewed: July 2026 · Next scheduled review: July 2027
This page provides general educational information about dental bone grafting and sinus lift procedures in Sydney based on current clinical evidence and peer-reviewed literature, including PMC8158510 — Bone Grafting in Implant Dentistry and ADA consumer resources. Cost data reflects Australian market figures (2026). Treatment outcomes, timelines and costs vary significantly between patients. Individual patient testimonials are not reproduced in compliance with AHPRA advertising guidelines. Paynless Dental is not a financial adviser.
Information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised dental advice. Bone grafting suitability, risks, benefits, timelines and costs vary significantly between patients and are determined at individual clinical assessment with CBCT imaging. Prices are indicative — written itemised quote before treatment. Patients on bisphosphonate medications must inform their dentist before any bone graft or implant surgery. Smoking significantly increases graft failure risk — patients are advised to disclose smoking status at consultation. Paynless Dental is a dental practice, not a financial adviser. OHFFSS vouchers accepted — not issued. Workers Compensation subject to SIRA NSW accepted claim and insurer approval. Superannuation subject to ATO assessment. Individual patient testimonials are not reproduced in compliance with AHPRA advertising guidelines. © 2026 Paynless Dental.
