“Can I get an implant without a bone graft?”
I want to replace my missing tooth. Can I get an implant without a bone graft?
6 Answers
Yes, it’s possible to get a dental implant without a bone graft, depending on your current bone density and the location of the missing tooth. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, evaluates each patient’s jawbone quality and density to determine if a bone graft is necessary or if an implant can be placed directly.
Factors That Determine Whether a Bone Graft is Needed
Bone Density and Volume
Successful implant placement requires sufficient bone density to anchor the implant securely. If the bone where the tooth is missing is thick and dense enough, a bone graft may not be necessary. Dr. Egan will use imaging, like a 3D cone beam CT scan, to assess your bone structure accurately.
Location of the Implant
Some areas, such as the front of the lower jaw, tend to have sufficient bone density even after tooth loss. However, areas like the upper molar region (near the sinus cavity) may have less bone volume, making bone grafting more likely. Dr. Egan will consider the specific location and stability requirements of your implant when determining if grafting is necessary.
Time Since Tooth Loss
After a tooth is lost, the jawbone begins to resorb (shrink) over time. If the tooth was lost recently, there may still be adequate bone for an implant. If it’s been several years, bone loss may have progressed, making a graft more likely.
Immediate Implant Placement
In some cases, when an implant is placed immediately after a tooth extraction, a bone graft may not be needed because the implant can be secured in the existing bone. Dr. Egan may recommend this approach if conditions allow, as it can reduce the need for additional procedures.
Alternatives to Traditional Bone Grafting
If you have minor bone loss, there are alternatives that may still allow for implant placement without a full graft:
Shorter or Narrower Implants: These implants can sometimes be used in areas with less bone.
Zygomatic Implants: For upper jaw implants where bone is limited, zygomatic implants anchored in the cheekbone offer a graft-free option in select cases.
Bone-Expanding Techniques: If bone is present but narrow, specialized techniques can expand the bone to allow implant placement.
Consultation with Dr. Jeremy Egan
During your consultation, Dr. Egan will thoroughly assess your jawbone and determine the best approach. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, our goal is to provide a solution that maximizes implant stability and minimizes the need for additional procedures, offering you a streamlined path to a restored smile.
Factors That Determine Whether a Bone Graft is Needed
Bone Density and Volume
Successful implant placement requires sufficient bone density to anchor the implant securely. If the bone where the tooth is missing is thick and dense enough, a bone graft may not be necessary. Dr. Egan will use imaging, like a 3D cone beam CT scan, to assess your bone structure accurately.
Location of the Implant
Some areas, such as the front of the lower jaw, tend to have sufficient bone density even after tooth loss. However, areas like the upper molar region (near the sinus cavity) may have less bone volume, making bone grafting more likely. Dr. Egan will consider the specific location and stability requirements of your implant when determining if grafting is necessary.
Time Since Tooth Loss
After a tooth is lost, the jawbone begins to resorb (shrink) over time. If the tooth was lost recently, there may still be adequate bone for an implant. If it’s been several years, bone loss may have progressed, making a graft more likely.
Immediate Implant Placement
In some cases, when an implant is placed immediately after a tooth extraction, a bone graft may not be needed because the implant can be secured in the existing bone. Dr. Egan may recommend this approach if conditions allow, as it can reduce the need for additional procedures.
Alternatives to Traditional Bone Grafting
If you have minor bone loss, there are alternatives that may still allow for implant placement without a full graft:
Shorter or Narrower Implants: These implants can sometimes be used in areas with less bone.
Zygomatic Implants: For upper jaw implants where bone is limited, zygomatic implants anchored in the cheekbone offer a graft-free option in select cases.
Bone-Expanding Techniques: If bone is present but narrow, specialized techniques can expand the bone to allow implant placement.
Consultation with Dr. Jeremy Egan
During your consultation, Dr. Egan will thoroughly assess your jawbone and determine the best approach. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, our goal is to provide a solution that maximizes implant stability and minimizes the need for additional procedures, offering you a streamlined path to a restored smile.
Most areas need a bone graft before the implant is placed. The implant can fail if not enough bone
Yes, not always you need bone grafts. Bone availability might be optimal but it’s the doctors decision when selecting the right implant for you.
Possibly depending on how much bone you have in the area of the missing tooth. a CT scan will help determine how much bone you have.
In many cases yes. But each implant is different
Yes...if enough bone is present
