Grafting

Grafting is a process of addition. In the case of dental implants, the grafting involved is either soft tissue (gum) or hard tissue (bone). Not all implants require grafting. But if there is a deficiency of either soft or hard tissue, it is often possible to use grafting to correct the deficiency and proceed with the implant.  Depending on the particular situation, grafting may be accomplished at the same appointment with the implant placement, or it may be done in advance to prepare for implant placement.

You may be wondering where the graft comes from.  In soft tissue grafting, you are both donor and recipient.  For hard tissue grafts, you are not typically the donor.  There are several choices for hard tissue grafts and you and your doctor will decide together what is best for you.