If the bone under your gum is not tall enough, not wide enough, too thick or too soft, a procedure can be done to add bone to your jaw before implants can be placed. Since the powerful chewing action of your mouth exerts great pressure on your bone, your jaw must be able to support the implant and a bone graft can create a more solid base for the implant.
These procedures typically involve grafting (adding) bone or bonelike materials to the jaw. It may take up to nine months for the transplanted bone to grow enough new bone to support a dental implant. In some cases, you may need only minor bone grafting, which can be done at the same time as the implant surgery.