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What happens if you don't have enough bone for dental implants?

I am a 39 year old female. I want to know what happens if you don't have enough bone for dental implants?

8 Answers

DentistDentist
Usually a bone graft is placed and allowed to heal.
Hi there,

The oral surgeon typically will do a 3D scan of the area and determine the bone. If you need more support, they will typically do bone grafting and you will wait about four months before placement of the implant. After the implant is placed, you will have to wait another 3-4 month for the crown placement. When you go for your consultation, this will be discussed in detail. You will also be informed of treatment time frame. Typically, one implant tooth placement to completion can take up to 8 months time.
Hope that’s helpful.


Best regards,
Bone can be added to widen a ridge where the implants should go. ,In some cases the height of the bone can be increased but that is more difficult.  I do some of thos proceedures.
In many cases it is possible to add bone to the area that needs an implant with a bone graft. The type of bone or bone substitute used depends on how much bone addition is needed and where in the mouth it's being placed. Most often, the implant cannot be placed until the bone graft heals properly, usually 3-4 months. No bones about it, you'll have to consult with your dental surgeon for your specific case.
We have ways to rebuild the area with bone This can be done before the implant or even at same time
Bone can be rebuilt

Linda Levine
A lot of times there are procedures that can increase the amount of bone so you can have an implant placed.
Hello,

This is a very good question!
The size, shape, and type of bone is very important for dental implants. Shape is usually compensated for by changing the size of the bone (either increase or decreasing it). There is not much we can do about the type of bone other then alter the size of bone or implant, or alter the healing time for a dental implant.
If there is inadequate amount of bone for a dental implant there are a few things that can be done. First of all we increase the amount of bone available. This is accomplished by adding more bone as a graft, lifting up the sinus and adding more bone there, or separating the bone and adding more in the middle. Secondly, we can change the size, shape or type of implant that goes into a certain area. Finally, we can change the area itself that the implant is going to go into.
All these factors depend how many teeth and in what manner are the teeth being replaced. There are usually other options to compensate for the lack of adequate bone. Hope this helps.

My best to you!

William F. Scott IV, DMD