Specialist Surgical Team
Our dedicated oral surgeons and implant specialists hold advanced qualifications in bone regeneration techniques and have completed thousands of successful procedures.
Bone Augmentation in Blackrock, South Dublin
Low Bone Density in
South Dublin
Experience advanced bone regeneration procedures with Ireland’s leading implant specialists. At Seapoint Clinic, our expert team provides sophisticated sinus lift and bone grafting treatments that make dental implants possible for patients who have been told they lack sufficient bone.
Using state-of-the-art technology and decades of combined expertise, we can restore your jaw bone structure and create the foundation for life-changing dental implants.
- Over 60 years of combined implant and surgical expertise
- State-of-the-art CT scanning for precise treatment planning
- Dedicated in-house laboratory for superior results
- Comprehensive care from consultation to completion
- Extensive experience with complex cases
- Advanced sedation options for maximum comfort
- Proven success with patients previously deemed unsuitable for implants
Have You Been Told Implants Aren’t for You?
If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for dental implants, you’re not alone. Many patients come to us after being turned away elsewhere, believing their dream of secure, beautiful teeth is impossible.
Bone loss in your jaw occurs naturally after tooth loss, with up to 40% of bone volume potentially disappearing within just the first year. This shrinkage can make traditional implant placement challenging, but at Seapoint Clinic, we make the impossible possible.
The emotional impact of being told “you can’t have implants” can be devastating, especially when you’re already dealing with the challenges of missing teeth or uncomfortable dentures.
Our patients often share how this news affected their confidence and hope for improved quality of life. That’s why we’ve invested in advanced techniques and technology to overcome these challenges.
Bone Grafting Options
When you lose a tooth, there can also be bone loss. The longer the tooth is missing, the more bone loss that will occur over time. Bone loss can impact different people in different ways and the wearing of a denture can accelerate the amount of bone lost.
In cases of significant bone loss, there may not be enough bone left to place a dental implant. If this occurs, it is necessary to perform a bone graft. More often than not, this is a simple procedure which can be carried out under local anaesthetic.
However, in more severe cases it may involve going to the hospital for treatment under general anaesthetic.
Following your initial assessment, we will measure your bone by using a dental CT scan. There are several ways in grafting bone, all of which will result in some minor swelling for a week or two, but very little pain. Any swelling can be reduced with some medication and following your personalised aftercare instructions.
Sinus Grafting, Sinus Elevation Procedure
This occurs when the sinus has expanded and results in bone being lost. This tends to happen in the upper jaw towards the back, by the maxillary sinuses which are located close to the mouth.
Once a tooth is lost at the back of the top jaw, over time the sinuses can expand into this area and results in bone rapidly becoming resorbed. When this happens, there can often be too little bone to place implants and a sinus elevation would be required.
Internal Sinus Grafting
An internal sinus graft is performed when the implant is being placed and using the same hole as the implant. This method is far quicker than an external sinus graft, meaning less swelling for you.
This treatment is usually carried out when there is still more than 5mm of bone remaining between the mouth and sinus.
External Sinus Grafting
An external sinus graft involves lifting the gum at the side of the sinus and placing a bone substitute into the area created. Once the graft has matured, we then place the dental implants six months later.
This procedure is incredibly common and takes about an hour to complete. As it is a surgical procedure, some swelling and soreness may occur afterwards.
Block Grafting
In areas where a large amount of bone is missing, it may be necessary to take some bone from elsewhere and move it the the area which needs it the most.
However, this approach is uncommon, as it can lead to discomfort and is only used on incredibly rare occasions.
Nerve Lateralisation
In some cases we can avoid grafting altogether, by slightly moving the nerve in the jawbone. This allows for implants to be placed faster than if a graft were place.
This can sometimes result in a temporary lose of sensation in the lower lip, but will almost always return with no long term effects.
Our Expertise
At Seapoint Clinic, our bone augmentation procedures are led by our specialist surgical team with decades of combined experience in advanced implant dentistry.
We’ve successfully treated thousands of patients who were previously told they weren’t candidates for dental implants due to insufficient bone volume.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
As the first Irish dental clinic outside a hospital setting to have its own dedicated CT scanner, we can precisely assess your bone structure and plan your treatment with exceptional accuracy.
In-House Laboratory Advantage
Unlike other tooth replacement options, implants stimulate your jawbone to halt deterioration, maintain your facial structure, and prevent premature ageing.
Comprehensive Treatment Planning
Every bone augmentation procedure begins with detailed 3D imaging and analysis, allowing us to create a precise, predictable treatment pathway specific to your needs.
Experience with Complex Cases
Our team specialises in challenging cases, regularly helping patients who have been turned away by other clinics due to severe bone loss or anatomical complications.
Talk to Our Bone Augmentation Experts
Want to know more about bone or sinus grafting?
Have a question about a treatment, need to book an appointment or would just like more information? We have experts ready to answer all your questions.
Connect with our treatment coordinators and members of our friendly team now.
€29.95
FREE
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Dental Implants
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Bone Grafting and Sinus
Lift FAQs
I want Dental Implants, but I’m missing a lot of bone, what are my options?
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In the past the answer was nothing. If you were missing bone your dentures would become loose and you had to accept the reduced quality of life that came with that. Thankfully, now there are many things that can be done.
Many implants used to be 15mm or longer to anchor them as strongly as possible to the bone. It was discovered that the extra length didn’t add much strength and so shorter dental implants can be placed in many cases to avoid the need to bone graft.
Some dental implants can be as short as 5mm, although 9mm is the most common. Some very short implants can be placed to avoid nerves and other important structures where before nothing could be done for a patient.
Ask about our short Biohorizons or Bicon dental implants of you have previously been told that you cannot have dental implants because of short bone.
Is bone grafting painful?
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Most patients are surprised by how comfortable bone grafting procedures are. We use effective local anaesthesia and offer sedation options to ensure you remain relaxed and pain-free throughout the procedure. Some mild discomfort may be experienced during the healing phase, but this is typically well-managed with standard pain medication and usually subsides within a few days. Bruising and swelling should be expected after a grafting procedure.
How long does it take to recover from a sinus lift?
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Recovery times vary depending on the extent of the procedure, but most patients can return to normal activities within 2-3 days. Complete healing of the grafted area typically takes 4-6 months before implants can be placed. During your consultation, we’ll provide a personalised timeline based on your specific treatment plan.
Will I need to take time off work after bone augmentation?
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Most patients take 1-3 days off work following bone grafting procedures. If your job involves strenuous physical activity, we may recommend a slightly longer recovery period. Many patients with desk jobs are able to return to work the day after their procedure.
What material is used for bone grafting?
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There are a wide range of bone graft materials available. Some are artificial and made of calcium and phosphorous, whereas others come from bovine sources. These granules are placed under the gum and allowed to heal over several months, resulting in a foundation strong enough to support implants. In cases requiring a small amount of bone grafting, it is possible to place the implant at the same time as the graft.
How long after bone grafting can dental implants be placed?
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Typically, dental implants can be placed 4-6 months after bone grafting, once the graft has fully integrated with your natural bone. For minor grafting procedures, this timeline may be shorter. Your surgeon will monitor your healing progress and determine the optimal time for implant placement.
Is bone grafting always necessary before dental implants?
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No, not all patients require bone grafting before receiving dental implants. The necessity depends on your existing bone volume and quality, as well as the location of the implant. Our detailed CT scanning technology allows us to make this assessment with exceptional precision.
Are bone grafting procedures covered by insurance?
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Some health insurance plans may provide partial coverage for bone grafting procedures, particularly when they’re necessary for implant placement. Additionally, bone grafting is eligible for tax relief at the standard rate of 20%. Our patient coordinators can help you understand your potential coverage and financing options.
What is the success rate for sinus lifts and bone grafting?
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Seapoint Clinic maintains a success rate of over 95% for our bone augmentation procedures. Our combination of experienced surgeons, advanced technology, and meticulous aftercare contributes to these excellent outcomes.
Can I have multiple procedures done at the same time?
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In many cases, yes. For example, tooth extraction, bone grafting, and sometimes even implant placement can often be combined in a single surgical visit. This approach can reduce overall treatment time and may improve comfort during recovery.
What if the bone graft doesn’t take?
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While rare, if a bone graft isn’t successful, we can typically perform a second grafting procedure once the area has healed. Our advanced CT scanning technology allows us to monitor the healing process with precision and address any concerns early.
Talk to an Expert
Speak to an Expert like Sonia and Begin Your Journey
Want to know more about dental implants or cosmetic treatments? Have a question about a treatment, need to book an appointment or would just like more information? We have experts ready to answer all your questions. Connect with our treatment coordinators and members of our friendly team now.
