Implants & surgery
Bone grafting and sinus lift
Been told you don't have enough bone for an implant? That is often the start of the conversation, not the end of it. When there is not enough bone to hold an implant, a bone graft or sinus lift can rebuild it so an implant can be placed safely. Bone keeps thinning after a tooth is lost, so the sooner it is checked, the more options stay open.
- When
- Before or at the same time as an implant
- Healing
- Usually several months
- Planning
- 3D scan of your jaw


A2Z's virtual care guide
Ask Annie about bone grafting
Chat with Annie, A2Z Dental's digital assistant. She answers common questions from this page, instantly.
- What if I do not have enough bone for an implant?
- Does getting a dental implant hurt?
- How much does a dental implant cost in Rockhampton?
- Or book your implant consultation
Available 24/7 • Instant responses
Is this right for me?
Every mouth is different. Your dentist will confirm what suits you after an examination.
- You have been told there is not enough bone for an implant
- A tooth was lost some time ago and the bone has shrunk
- You need an upper back implant close to the sinus
- A tooth is being removed and you want to keep the bone for a future implant
What happens
3D scan
We measure the bone and plan how much needs to be added and where.
Graft
Under local or general anaesthetic, graft material is placed where the bone is thin, or under the sinus floor for a sinus lift.
Heal
The graft is left to heal and turn into firm bone.
Implant
Once healed, the implant is placed, or it may be placed at the same time.
Recovery and aftercare
Swelling and bruising are common for a few days. After a sinus lift, avoid blowing your nose hard or flying until we say it is safe. Eat soft food and follow the cleaning instructions.
Bone grafting and sinus lift
Clinical Lead: Dr. Abraham Zacharia BDS FDSRCS(Eng)Practice: A2ZDental Rockhampton
When there is not enough bone to hold an implant, a bone graft or sinus lift can rebuild it so an implant can be placed safely. Treatment is provided at A2ZDental, 36 Macaree Street, Berserker, Rockhampton QLD 4701, led by Dr. Abraham Zacharia BDS FDSRCS(Eng).
Equipment we use
- 3D CBCT imaging of the jaw bone
- Digital planning of implant position
Materials
- Titanium implants
- Porcelain or zirconia crowns and bridges
Comfort options
- Local anaesthetic for treatment that needs it
- Happy gas (nitrous oxide) and oral sedation for nervous patients
- Treatment under general anaesthetic in-house with a specialist anaesthetist, where suitable
Fees and health funds
- All health funds accepted, claimed on the spot with HICAPS
- Not a preferred provider for any fund
- Payment plans through humm, Zip, Dossh and TLC (subject to approval)
- Your fees are explained before treatment starts
Told you don't have enough bone?
Book your implant planning visit. You'll see your scan, talk through your options and leave with a written, itemised fee.
Important information: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Questions about bone grafting
Clear, direct answers to help you make informed decisions.
Is the implant crown made on site?
Yes. The restoration is designed and milled in the same building, which removes the wait and the back-and-forth with an external laboratory. It also means adjustments can be made the same day rather than at another appointment.
Am I too old for a dental implant?
Age itself is not a barrier. What matters is bone volume, gum health, and general medical conditions or medications that affect healing. Those are assessed individually, and CBCT imaging shows whether the bone will support an implant before anything is committed to.
What if I do not have enough bone for an implant?
Grafting can often build the site up, either at the time of placement or as a separate earlier step. Where bone is very limited, a bridge, a denture or a different implant position may be the better answer. CBCT imaging at assessment establishes which applies rather than leaving it to be discovered during surgery.
How long does a dental implant last?
The implant itself is designed to be permanent and many remain in place for decades. The crown on top is a wearing part and may need replacing at some stage. Longevity depends heavily on gum health, smoking, grinding and keeping up regular reviews, so no specific lifespan can be promised.
Implant, bridge or denture — which is right for me?
An implant replaces the root and does not involve the neighbouring teeth. A bridge is quicker but requires preparing the teeth either side. A denture is removable and the least invasive. Cost, bone volume, how many teeth are missing and what you want day to day all feed into it, so it is decided at assessment rather than in advance.
Can implants be placed while I am asleep?
Yes. A2ZDental has a specialist anaesthetist attending, with anaesthetically trained staff, so implant placement — including multiple implants in one sitting — can be completed under GA, and you go home the same day. The anaesthetist's fee is quoted separately by the anaesthetist's office, in addition to the cost of the dental treatment itself.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
The implant is placed under local anaesthetic and most people report less discomfort than a difficult extraction. Soreness for a few days afterwards is normal and managed with ordinary pain relief. Sedation and general anaesthetic are available on site if you would rather not be aware of the procedure. Both are quoted separately from the treatment fee.
How much does a dental implant cost in Rockhampton?
The figure comes after the assessment, because a single implant is rarely a single item. What drives it is whether the tooth has to be removed first, whether the site has to heal before the implant goes in, whether the bone needs grafting or a sinus lift, and what restoration goes on top. CBCT imaging at assessment establishes which of those apply, and you are quoted in writing before anything starts. If you choose treatment under general anaesthetic, the anaesthetist's fee is quoted separately by the anaesthetist's office and is in addition.
Book a consultation
Choose a time that suits you. In pain right now? Call us and we'll fit you in today.
Rather we found a time for you? or call (07) 4923 7350.
A2ZDental Rockhampton - Bone Grafting
Clinical Lead: Dr. Abraham Zacharia BDS FDSRCS(Eng)
Conveniently located at 36 Macaree Street in Berserker, welcoming patients from all across Rockhampton, Gracemere, and the Capricorn Coast with gentle family and emergency dentistry.
Get GPS Directions on Google Maps