Guided Bone Regeneration

Understanding Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR): Restoring Your Jawbone for Dental Implants

If you’ve been told you need a bone graft before getting dental implants, you may be wondering: Why is this necessary? What exactly is a bone graft? And what should I expect during and after the procedure?

This guide will help you understand Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR)—a specialized technique used to rebuild lost jawbone, ensuring a strong foundation for your future dental implants.

Why Is a Bone Graft Needed?

When a tooth is lost or extracted, the surrounding jawbone begins to shrink over time due to lack of stimulation. If too much bone is lost, there may not be enough support for a dental implant. A bone graft helps:
✅ Restore lost bone volume – Creates a stable base for implants.
✅ Prevent further bone loss – Preserves facial structure and prevents a "sunken" appearance.
✅ Improve long-term implant success – Ensures your implant stays secure for years to come.

Common reasons for needing GBR:

  • Tooth extractions with significant bone loss

  • Long-term missing teeth causing jawbone shrinkage

  • Gum disease damaging the bone

  • Sinus augmentation for upper back teeth (sinus lift)

What Is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a procedure where dentists or oral surgeons add bone material to your jaw to stimulate new bone growth. The graft material can come from:

  • Your own bone (harvested from another area, like the chin or hip) – Most natural, integrates well

  • Donor bone (allograft) – Processed human bone from a tissue bank

  • Animal bone (xenograft) – Usually bovine (cow) bone, sterilized and safe

  • Synthetic bone (alloplast) – Lab-made biocompatible materials

The graft is often covered with a collagen membrane to protect it and guide proper bone regeneration.

What Should You Expect from the Surgery?

Before the Procedure

  • Your dentist will take 3D scans (CBCT) to plan the graft placement.

  • You may be prescribed antibiotics or antiseptic mouthwash to prevent infection.

During the Procedure

  • Local anesthesia (or sedation if needed) ensures comfort.

  • The surgeon makes a small incision in the gum to access the bone.

  • The grafting material is placed, and a membrane may be added.

  • Stitches are used to close the area (some dissolve on their own).

After the Procedure

  • Swelling & mild discomfort (2–3 days) – Managed with ice packs and pain relievers.

  • Soft diet – Avoid chewing on the graft site for several weeks.

  • Healing time – Typically 3–6 months before the bone is ready for implants.

  • Follow-up visits – To monitor healing and ensure success.

Will It Hurt?

Most patients report only mild discomfort, similar to a tooth extraction. Any soreness can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Long-Term Benefits

✔ Stronger jawbone – Ready for implants or other restorations.
✔ Preserved facial structure – Prevents a "collapsed" look from bone loss.
✔ Better implant success rate – A solid foundation means your new teeth will last longer.

Final Thought

Guided Bone Regeneration is a safe, well-established procedure that helps rebuild your jawbone so you can enjoy the benefits of dental implants. While healing takes time, the results are worth it—a stable, natural-looking smile that lasts a lifetime!