Guide
Told you don't have enough bone for implants?
It's one of the most common reasons people give up on implants — and often not the last word. Here's what it means, and what can be done.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rodolfo Rodriguez, DMD · Updated
What it means
After teeth are lost, the bone that held them slowly shrinks, in height and in width. In the upper back jaw, the sinus sits just above, which can leave little height. A flat X-ray cannot show all of that; a 3D CBCT scan measures the bone exactly, and shows where it is solid.
The options
- Angled implants. In All-on-4, the two back implants are angled to reach firmer bone toward the front of the jaw, clear of the sinus and the nerve. That angle is often what lets us avoid grafting.
- A bone graft. Rebuilds the width or height of the jaw where bone has shrunk. See bone grafting.
- A sinus lift. In the upper back jaw, the floor of the sinus is gently raised and bone added beneath it, so an implant has enough height.
- A referral. If another approach serves you better, we'll tell you, and refer you.
Start with a scan
Many people who were told they don't have enough bone are still candidates once the 3D scan shows where the bone is. If you're considering full-arch treatment, the consultation is free and includes an exam and a 3D CBCT scan taken here in the office. If you've had a CBCT scan elsewhere recently, bring it.
Why sooner is better
The bone keeps shrinking the longer teeth are missing, so a scan sooner rather than later keeps more options open.
FAQs
I was told I need a bone graft. Do I definitely need one?
Is a second opinion free?
Related
Start with a conversation.
Tell us what's going on, in English or Spanish. We'll take it from there.