Short answer: you often need a period of healing after a bone graft before placing an implant, but not always. Whether you get an implant after bone graft in Louisville, KY depends on the graft type, how well the graft heals, your overall health, and your clinician’s plan. This guide explains what a graft does, typical timelines, exceptions for same-day implants, how healing is checked, risks of moving too fast, and quick promise of practical next steps.
Read on to learn when an implant after bone graft is usually possible and how to get a clear, personalized timeline for your case.
What a bone graft is and why it matters for implants
A bone graft rebuilds bone where it’s lost so an implant has enough support. Grafts aim to restore bone volume and shape, maintain the jaw ridge, and provide a stable base for an full-arch prosthesis.
Common graft types include:
- Socket preservation – placed right after a tooth extraction to keep the socket from collapsing.
- Ridge augmentation – adds width or height to a narrow jaw area.
- Sinus lift – lifts the sinus membrane and adds bone to the upper back jaw.
Each graft type affects when an implant after bone graft is safe to place because different areas and materials heal at different rates.
When can you get an implant after a bone graft?
Typical timelines by graft type
- Socket preservation: often 3–4 months before implant placement.
- Ridge augmentation: often 4–6 months to allow good bone volume and strength.
- Sinus lift: often 6–9 months depending on the lift size and graft material.
Exceptions — immediate implant with grafting
In some cases an implant and graft are placed the same day (immediate implant + graft). This works best when the extraction site is healthy, there’s enough existing bone for primary implant stability, and there’s no active infection. If stability can’t be achieved or infection is present, a delayed approach is safer.
Factors that change timing
- Smoking slows healing and can delay implant placement.
- Medical conditions (diabetes, immune issues) affect bone healing.
- Graft material — some grafts integrate faster than others.
- Active infection at the site requires treatment first.
- Age and natural bone quality influence how long healing takes.
How clinicians confirm the graft is ready and risks of moving too fast
Clinicians use a combination of evaluation methods before placing an implant after bone graft. Common checks include:
- Clinical exam — looking for healthy tissue, no swelling or signs of infection.
- CBCT imaging — 3D scans show bone volume and density precisely.
- Stability testing — measuring how stable an implant or site is (torque or resonance tests) when applicable.
Signs a graft is healed: firm tissue, good bone height on CBCT, and no pain or drainage. Signs it isn’t healed: persistent swelling, pain, loosening of graft material, or poor bone on imaging.
Placing an implant too early can cause poor integration, infection, graft failure, and possible implant loss — which means more surgery later. Recovery after a properly timed implant typically includes short-term swelling, mild discomfort, a soft-food diet for a few days, and routine follow-ups to confirm healing.
Why choose Smile Rescue for an implant after bone graft
At Smile Rescue, Dr. Seth Chambers and the team focus on advanced implant care and clear timelines for an implant after bone graft in Louisville, KY. We use 3D CBCT imaging, computer-guided surgery, and in-house 3D printing to plan precisely and reduce surprises. That precision helps determine safe timing and, when appropriate, offers same-day implant solutions.
For severe bone loss, the practice offers zygomatic and pterygoid implant options so patients who once thought implants weren’t possible can still get fixed teeth. Smile Rescue also provides all-inclusive pricing that can cover grafting and implant phases—no hidden fees.
To find out if you can get an implant after bone graft in Louisville, KY and when, schedule a consult. We’ll review your scan, explain your options, and give a personalized timeline so you can plan next steps with confidence.
