Will I need a bone graft for dental implants?

An implant post is placed in the jaw, where it bonds with the bone during healing. That bond is what makes an implant stable enough to chew on like a natural tooth.

If the bone is too thin or too short in the area, the implant may not have enough support. A graft rebuilds that support so the implant has a solid foundation.

Bone in the jaw stays strong when it is supporting a tooth. Common reasons it shrinks include:

• A tooth missing for a long time. Once a tooth is gone, the bone that held it gradually shrinks.
• Gum disease. Advanced gum disease can wear away the bone around teeth.
• Infection or injury. An abscess or a blow to the mouth can damage bone.
• Years of wearing a denture. Dentures rest on the gums and do not support the bone underneath.

You cannot tell by looking in a mirror. At your consultation, Dr. Balani examines the area and uses imaging in our office to see how much bone is there. That shows whether an implant can be placed right away or whether a graft would help first.

A graft adds bone or bone-like material to the area, and your body builds new bone around it over time. How it fits into your treatment depends on how much bone is needed:

• Small grafts. These can sometimes be placed when a tooth is removed or at the same visit as the implant.
• Larger grafts. These may need time to heal before the implant is placed.

Before any procedure, Dr. Balani talks with you about pain management and sets a plan around your comfort level. Sedation is available if you feel anxious.

A graft is not the only path. For a full arch of teeth, All-on-4 positions four implants to make the most of the bone you have, which can reduce the need for grafting in some cases. A bridge or a denture is another option. Read more in Options for replacing missing teeth.