Can I get dental implants if I have bone loss?

Once a tooth is lost, the bone beneath it gradually shrinks, which is why many people who had extractions years ago or wear dentures are told their bone is “weak”. But that word covers different problems: bone that is too thin, too short beneath the sinus, or low in density. Each has a different solution, so Dr. Khalid Saeed relies on a 3D scan to measure the bone and locate nerves and sinuses precisely before making any promise.

Common options: bone grafting to add width or height, either at the same time as the implant or as a separate stage; a sinus lift for upper back teeth where bone height is limited; and, for a full arch, All-on-4, which can avoid grafting at the back because the two rear implants are tilted to use the bone that is there. Where bone is stronger or the bite heavier, All-on-6 may be the better choice.

Grafting usually lengthens treatment, because grafted bone needs time to mature before it carries load. Other factors also shape the decision: smoking, diabetes, some bone medications and gum health. When implants are not the best option, the written plan compares implants with a fixed bridge and dentures honestly.

If you were told elsewhere that your bone is unsuitable, a CBCT scan may give a clearer picture. Send your X-rays on WhatsApp — a previous CBCT is especially useful. The guide to dental implants for expats in Kurdistan explains how to stage treatment around travel.

• CBCT to measure width, height and density
• Bone grafting for a thin jaw
• Sinus lift for upper back teeth
• All-on-4 with tilted implants for full arches
• Honest comparison with bridges and dentures