Bone Grafting & Sinus Lifts in Brookline, MA

Not Enough Bone for an Implant? We Can Help.

Being told you do not have enough bone for a dental implant can feel like a dead end. It is not. At Pleasant Dental Associates in Brookline, MA, our board-certified periodontists specialize in bone grafting and sinus lift procedures that rebuild your jawbone, so that dental implants become possible — even in cases where significant bone loss has occurred.

Why Does Bone Loss Happen?

When a tooth is lost or extracted, the jawbone that once supported it begins to resorb (shrink away) almost immediately. Studies show that up to 50% of bone volume at an extraction site can be lost within the first year if no preservation measures are taken. Bone loss also occurs as a result of advanced gum disease, injury, or long-term denture wear.

Bone Grafting

What Is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a procedure in which bone material is placed at a site where bone has been lost. Over time, the grafted material stimulates your body to produce new, natural bone — restoring the volume and density needed to support a dental implant.

Types of Bone Grafts We Use

•       Autograft — bone taken from another site in your own body (highest success rate)

•       Allograft — processed donor bone from a bone bank

•       Xenograft — bovine-derived bone mineral

•       Alloplast — synthetic bone substitutes

Our periodontists will recommend the most appropriate graft material based on the volume of bone needed, your medical history, and the implant treatment plan. We use a wide variety of advanced biomaterials to deliver the best possible outcomes.

Ridge Preservation

Ridge preservation is a bone graft placed at the time of tooth extraction to maintain the jaw's shape and volume in preparation for a future implant. If you are having a tooth removed and plan to eventually replace it with an implant, this procedure significantly reduces the need for more extensive grafting later.

Sinus Lift Surgery

What Is a Sinus Lift?

The upper back teeth sit close to the sinus cavities. When these teeth are lost, the sinus can expand downward, leaving insufficient bone height for an implant. A sinus lift (also called sinus augmentation) adds bone to the sinus floor to create the height and volume needed for implant placement.

Lateral vs. Internal Sinus Lift

Depending on how much bone height is already present, our surgeons will recommend either a lateral window approach (for significant sinus lifting) or a minimally invasive internal approach performed at the same time as implant placement.

Why Choose Pleasant Dental Associates for Bone Grafting?

•       Advanced 3D cone beam CT imaging to precisely assess bone volume before planning

•       Board-certified periodontists with extensive surgical training in complex grafting procedures

•       Wide selection of biomaterials to match your specific clinical needs

•       Seamless coordination between surgical and restorative teams for full implant treatment

•       Faculty at Boston University and Tufts — expertise backed by academic research

Frequently Asked Questions — Bone Grafting & Sinus Lifts

Q: How long does it take for a bone graft to heal before I can get an implant?

A: Healing time varies depending on the size of the graft and the individual. Small grafts may heal in 3–4 months, while larger procedures may require 6–9 months before implant placement. Your periodontist will monitor healing with follow-up imaging.

Q: Is bone grafting painful?

A: Bone grafting is performed under local anesthesia. Post-operative discomfort is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and resolves within a week for most patients. Swelling and mild bruising are normal and expected.

Q: I was told I cannot get implants. Should I get a second opinion?

A: Absolutely. Many patients who have been told they cannot get implants are, in fact, candidates after bone grafting or sinus lift procedures. Our periodontists offer comprehensive evaluations and second opinions.

Q: Does insurance cover bone grafting?

A: Coverage varies by plan. When bone grafting is performed in connection with a tooth extraction (ridge preservation), it is often partially covered. Our team will review your benefits and provide transparent cost information before treatment.

📅 Ready to Get Started?

Pleasant Dental Associates is now accepting new patients. $259 New Patient Special.

Call 617-975-3399  |  1318 Beacon Street Suite 20, Brookline, MA 02446

Book online: dental4.me/pleasantdental/1