Implants
Bone Graft and Extraction Protocol FAQ
What is a bone graft?
A dental bone graft, also called bone augmentation, is a procedure where natural or synthetic bone material is added to an area of the jawbone to restore lost bone structure.
Why we use bone graft?
Imagine that your jawbone is like fertile soil, and each tooth is a tree growing in it. When we remove a tooth, we’re not just taking away the tree, we’re also leaving behind the hole where the roots once lived. Nature will try to fill that hole, but the way it does it isn’t always ideal.
After a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone doesn’t always grow back evenly. Instead of filling the entire hole with new bone, the outer walls begin to cave inward, a bit like the sides of a sandcastle collapsing after you lift the bucket. On the surface, it might look closed and smooth, but underneath, a hollow space, a kind of air pocket, often remains.
That hidden pocket is what we call a cavitation. It’s an area where the bone didn’t fully regenerate, almost like a patch of soil that’s dried out and no longer supports new growth. If we don’t guide the healing, your body might seal it over without truly filling it in. Over time, that can mean weaker bone, poor circulation in that area, and even issues with future implants or ongoing discomfort.
Bone graft restores lost or deficient bone, provides a scaffold for new bone to grow, and ensures that implants or surrounding structures have the strength and volume they need to remain secure and healthy over time.
When do we use bone graft?
We use a bone graft whenever there isn’t enough healthy bone to support a stable, long-lasting result.
What is the science behind the need for bone graft?
Professor Shaaram Ghaanati and his Team at the Goethe University in Frankfurt, published a research in April 2025 confirm what we explained earlier. The key takeaway is that if we don’t follow a precise protocol after an extraction, a cavitation is likely to form.
Therefore, our clinic decided to follow Prof Ghanaati’s strict and proven approach to ensure proper healing and long-term success.
What is the science behind the need for bone graft?
Professor Shaaram Ghaanati and his Team at the Goethe University in Frankfurt, published a research in April 2025 confirm what we explained earlier. The key takeaway is that if we don’t follow a precise protocol after an extraction, a cavitation is likely to form.
Therefore, our clinic decided to follow Prof Ghanaati’s strict and proven approach to ensure proper healing and long-term success.
What is our bone graft made from?
Our bone graft is a fully synthetic made from β-Tricalcium Phosphate (β-TCP), specifically developed to fill bone defects.
Its chemical composition closely resembles the mineral phase of human bone, ensuring excellent biocompatibility.
How does bone graft integrate in the jawbone?
Due to its highly porous structure, our bone graft allows full vascularisation and deep cellular ingrowth.
It supports integration and robust bone regeneration.
As healing progresses, the material is naturally resorbed and replaced with newly formed bone.
How did Dr Pollock learn to use bone grafts?
Dr. Pollock has completed extensive advanced training in bone augmentation (= bone grafting) procedures with several world-renowned surgeons at the forefront of the latest techniques in bone augmentation/grafting technique including, Professor Shaaram Ghaanati, Dr. Istvan Urban, and Dr. Ulrich Volz.
Thanks to his expertise, the bone grafting procedures at the Dr. Elmar Jung Dental Clinic follow the highest standards.
What is included in our Extraction Protocol?
- Thorough yet gentle cleaning of the jawbone socket or jawbone defect (= cavitation) using piezo-surgery and hand instruments to remove the periodontal ligament and any infected, necrotic and unhealthy jawbone.
- Our goal is to create a completely clean and healthy environment for regeneration.
- We use ozone gas to eliminate bacteria.
- We combine the bone graft with your own healthy bone, which is gently harvested during treatment using piezo-surgery or specialised drills.
- We then blend this mix with your own blood concentrates (PRF – Plasma Rich Fibrin), which provide stem cells, growth factors, fibrin, and platelets to enhance healing and regeneration.
- We use your own growth factors, from your blood, called PRF (Plasma Rich Fibrin), which act like natural fertilizer, full of nutrients and signals that tell your cells to rebuild.
- But fertilizer alone won’t hold the shape of the hole; that’s where the bone graft comes in.
- It’s like adding a scaffolding, giving your bone something to grow into, so it heals fully from the bottom up rather than just sealing over at the top.
- When we combine PRF with a biocompatible bone graft, we’re not forcing your body to heal, we’re simply giving it a clear structure and the right ingredients to do what it already knows how to do.
- The graft and PRF, don not replace natural healing, they complete it. They ensure the bone doesn’t just close the surface, but rebuilds its full strength, density, and vitality all the way through.
- This plays a key role in the healing process and can reduce the initial healing phase by approximately 50%.
- Our carefully designed protocol supports strong, predictable bone regeneration and gives your implant the best possible foundation.
What are the advantages of using Piezo-Surgery?
- Selective cutting
- cuts bone with precision while sparing soft tissues, nerves and blood vessels.
- This allows us to precisely remove any remaining periodontal ligament, necrotic jawbone, or infection while preserving healthy bone.
- Greater surgical accuracy
- minimal heat and vibration = controlled cutting and cleaner margins.
- Reduced trauma
- less mechanical force compared to rotary instruments.
- gentler treatment and reduced post-operative swelling and discomfort.
- Enhanced visibility
- the ultrasonic tip keeps the field clearer of blood, improving surgical control.
- Better healing
- micro-vibrations preserve osteocytes and reduce bone necrosis, supporting faster and more predictable healing.
- Improved safety
- lower risk of membrane perforation, nerve damage or soft-tissue injury.
- Ideal for delicate procedures
- particularly effective for sinus lifts, ridge splitting, and harvesting bone blocks.
Zirconia Implants FAQ
Why Choose Zirconia Implants
What makes zirconia implants different from traditional implants?
Our zirconia implants are 100 percent metal-free and highly biocompatible. They integrate harmoniously with the body, support healthier gums and bone, and provide superior aesthetics without any grey or metallic show-through.
Why do we use SDS zirconia implants?
We work exclusively with SDS, the most established zirconia implant system worldwide. Their implants are manufactured to exceptional purity standards and are only supplied to extensively trained clinicians, ensuring precision, safety, and long-term predictability.
Are zirconia implants safe and long-lasting?
Yes. SDS implants are designed for optimal integration and come with a lifelong warranty against fractures, offering a stable and reliable long-term solution.
Why not choose titanium implants?
While widely used, titanium is a metal and may not align with a biologically driven approach. Zirconia offers a more natural, non-metal alternative with reduced inflammatory potential and improved aesthetics.
Consultation & Planning
Why do I need a CBCT scan?
A CBCT scan provides a precise 3D view of your jawbone. This allows accurate planning and ensures your implant is placed safely and in the optimal position.
Where is the scan carried out?
We refer you to specialist imaging centres such as Cavendish Imaging or CT Dent.
Why is the scan reviewed by a specialist radiologist?
Your scan is analysed by an independent Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist to ensure maximum diagnostic accuracy, robust clinical governance, and a comprehensive assessment aligned with our holistic approach.
What happens during the consultation?
Your consultation is a detailed, in-person session with Dr Richard Pollock. He will review your scan, assess your oral health, explain your options clearly, and answer all your questions.
Should I bring someone with me?
We recommend it. There is a lot to take in, and having a second person helps you process the information with clarity.
Preparation & Optimisation
Why are blood tests part of the process?
They allow us to assess key markers such as Vitamin D, inflammation levels, and immune function. This ensures your body is in the best possible condition for healing.
What if my results are not optimal?
We address and optimise these first. This step is essential for a safe procedure and predictable recovery.
Do I need to follow the supplement protocol?
Yes. This is a core part of your preparation and directly influences healing quality and long-term success.
Your Treatment Journey
What are the stages of treatment?
- Consultation and diagnostics
- Implant placement
- Healing phase
- Final crown restoration
How long does the process take?
Typically several months. This allows the implant to integrate fully before the final restoration is placed.
Can everything be done at once?
In some cases, yes. However, where appropriate, we may stage treatment to respect your body’s healing capacity and achieve the best outcome.
Surgical Phase
What is included during implant placement?
Your procedure may include advanced biological support techniques such as PRF, ozone therapy, and minimally invasive protocols designed to optimise healing.
Will I need a bone graft?
Only if required. This is determined from your CBCT scan and clinical assessment.
Can a tooth be removed and replaced at the same time?
In some cases, yes. However, this depends on bone condition and the presence of infection.
Recovery & Results
What can I expect after surgery?
With proper preparation, most clients experience minimal discomfort, swelling, and a smoother recovery. However, this also depends on the extent of the surgery, the inflammation or necrosis in the jawbone and you overall healing capacity.
When is the final crown fitted?
Usually after 4 to 6 months, once the implant has fully integrated with the bone.
Fees & Booking
Are the fees fixed?
Fees are tailored to your individual case. A guide is provided, but your final treatment plan will outline exact costs.
How do I secure my surgery date?
Once you are happy with your plan, signing the consent forms and paying a 50 percent deposit allows us to schedule your treatment.
Next Steps
What happens after I receive my treatment plan?
You will have time to review it and ask any questions. If needed, we can arrange a short follow-up discussion to ensure complete clarity.
