Bone Grafts in Barcelona

The most common cause of complications with bone grafts is usually due to the opening of the oral mucosa, leading to premature exposure of the graft to the intraoral environment, bacterial contamination, and graft loss.

Patients who smoke and have poor oral hygiene are at greater risk of complications.

In the upper jaw, it is very common—for aesthetic reasons—to have to thicken the gum in the area where the implant will be placed using a soft tissue graft (connective tissue graft, keratinized gum).
It is a minimally invasive surgery performed under local anesthesia. We obtain tissue from the palate or from the region behind the upper wisdom tooth (maxillary tuberosity).

The use of connective tissue grafts helps achieve a better aesthetic result with the prosthesis—and, ultimately, with the smile—since it prevents the gums from appearing sunken and shadowed (as if darkened).

This type of graft helps maintain stable results over the years, reducing the likelihood of gum recession and exposure of the titanium in the implants.

The upper jawbone is a pneumatic bone, meaning it has a cavity inside it, known as the maxillary sinus. This fact underscores the fact that a bone graft is often necessary to place implants in the upper jaw’s molar region and ensure that they remain stable.

A maxillary sinus lift is a common surgical technique used to increase bone height in the posterior region of the upper jaw by encroaching on part of the maxillary sinus space. It may be necessary in both maxillary sinuses or in just one of them. It is performed under local anesthesia. Dental implants can usually be placed during the same surgical procedure.

A bone graft is a procedure that increases the amount or quality of bone available for placing dental implants. It is used when resorption occurs following tooth loss, trauma, or advanced periodontal disease. At Clínica Birbe in Barcelona, we evaluate each case using 3D CT scans to determine the most appropriate and conservative treatment approach.

Bone from the patient’s own body (autologous), bone from a bone bank, synthetic or biologically derived materials, and techniques such as maxillary sinus lift or guided bone regeneration are used. The choice depends on the bone defect, the treatment goal, and the patient’s profile. Dr. Joan Birbe, an ABOMS-certified specialist, performs these procedures.

Graft integration typically takes between 4 and 9 months, depending on the technique and the volume required. During that time, we conducted follow-up visits to monitor progress. Once the bone has healed, the implants are placed. It is a process that requires patience, but it is key to predictable and long-lasting implant rehabilitation.

During the first 3–5 days, moderate swelling and discomfort may occur, which can be managed with pain relievers. We recommend a soft diet, avoiding strenuous activity, and maintaining good hygiene. The time required for grafts to take hold is usually 2–3 days for small grafts and up to a week for large grafts. We provide detailed postoperative instructions.