Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon Melbourne
Can you get dental implants if you have bone loss?
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Bone graft for dental implants
Bone loss? It’s more common than you think
Losing a tooth is one thing, but losing the bone underneath? That’s a whole different challenge. If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for dental implants, you’re not alone. Bone loss in the jaw is common, especially if a tooth has been missing for years. But does that mean you can’t get implants? Not necessarily.
As oral maxillofacial surgeons, we specialise in assessing bone loss and, if needed, rebuilding it using advanced surgical techniques.
Dr Felix Sim
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon Melbourne
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw-like post that’s placed into your jawbone to act as a new tooth root. During healing, a process called osseointegration occurs, where the bone and tissue grow around this rod, making it part of your body. Once healed, a crown is placed on top, making it look and function just like a natural tooth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants provide several benefits as a tooth replacement option, offering a solution that closely resembles natural teeth in appearance and function. They are known for their durability if maintained well and can help you feel more comfortable when eating or socialising, without concerns about movement or issues associated with missing teeth.
Benefits include:
- Tooth replacement that is not removable like a denture
- Osseointegration supports jawbone health
- May help reduce jawbone shrinkage
- Helps maintain facial structure by supporting bone integrity
- Made from biocompatible titanium that integrates with the body
- May prevent shifting of neighbouring teeth
- Can be cared for like a natural tooth
- Completes your smile by filling gaps
Who is a suitable candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants are a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth, offering stability and natural function. However, certain conditions need to be met for a successful dental implant. Here’s what to consider:
- Healthy jawbone: Adequate bone strength and density are necessary for the implant to be secure and allow osseointegration (the process where bone grows around the implant). We perform a comprehensive assessment to check bone health. If you’ve previously been told you can’t have a standard dental implant due to bone loss, a zygomatic implant might be an alternative option. Zygomatic implants are longer and anchored in the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jawbone, making them suitable for patients with significant bone loss in the upper jaw. This technique bypasses the need for bone grafting and provides a stable foundation for dental restorations.
- Gum and oral health: Healthy gums are crucial since they need to heal around the implant after surgery. Conditions like gingivitis or periodontitis can impact this healing process. We work alongside your dentist to treat any gum disease and will reassess your suitability once your gums have recovered. The same care applies to your overall oral health, providing the best foundation for dental implant success.
- Oral hygiene: A strong commitment to good oral hygiene is vital for the long-term success of the implant and crown. It’s especially important during the healing phase to promote quick and safe recovery.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding): Teeth grinding can interfere with implant healing and even affect it post-recovery. If you grind your teeth, let us know. We can suggest mouth guards to protect your teeth.
Why does bone shrink after losing a tooth?
Your jawbone stays strong because of your teeth. When you chew, the pressure stimulates the bone, keeping it healthy. Once a tooth is removed, the bone in that area no longer gets that stimulation and begins to shrink.
The longer you go without a replacement, the more bone volume is lost. Here are the most common reasons for jawbone shrinkage:
- Natural bone resorption – This is the body’s natural response when a tooth is missing.
- Tooth removal surgery – In some cases, excessive bone is removed during extraction.
- Gum disease – Advanced periodontitis can destroy bone around the teeth.
- Dentures – Long-term denture use can lead to gradual bone loss due to lack of stimulation.
- Certain medications – Drugs like bisphosphonates or denosumab (used for osteoporosis) can affect bone healing.
Can I still get dental implants with bone loss?
Yes, but it depends on the severity of the bone loss and the surgical approach. Some patients assume that if they’ve lost too much bone, they can’t get implants at all. This isn’t always true.
Bone grafting and guided bone regeneration can restore enough bone for implants in many cases. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, we are trained in advanced bone reconstruction techniques. So even when you have significant bone loss you may still have options.
Dr Felix Sim
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon Melbourne
Bone grafting: How does it work?
If your jawbone isn’t strong enough to support a dental implant, a bone graft can rebuild the lost bone. This involves placing a grafting material where the bone is missing, allowing your body to regenerate new bone around it.
Types of bone grafting procedures:
- Guided bone regeneration (GBR) – A special membrane and bone graft material encourages the body to rebuild missing bone.
- Allografts (donor bone) – Uses processed human bone, avoiding the need for a second surgery.
- Xenografts (bovine/porcine bone) – Uses processed bone of another species, avoiding the need for a second surgery.
- Autografts (your own bone) – Bone is taken from another area (chin, hip, or tibia) to rebuild the jaw.
Bone grafting isn’t as invasive as many people think. These days, we can often use special grafting materials instead of taking bone from another part of your body, so there’s no extra procedure or additional healing site.
Dr Felix Sim
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon Melbourne
Which bone grafting technique do you need?
The type of grafting technique used depends on how much bone loss has occurred and where the implant is needed.
- Socket preservation – Prevents bone shrinkage immediately after a tooth is removed.
- Ridge augmentation – Restores both width and height of the jawbone.
- Sinus lifts (for upper jaw implants):
- Closed sinus lift (osseodensification) – Used when some bone is still present; implants can often be placed at the same time.
- Open lateral sinus lift – For severe bone loss; grafting is done first, and implants are placed about four months later.
- Block bone graft – Used when a larger area of bone needs rebuilding before implants.
When can dental implants be placed after a bone graft?
- Some bone grafts heal in 3–6 months before an implant can be placed.
- In some cases, dental implants can be placed at the same time as the graft, reducing treatment time.
As oral maxillofacial surgeons in Melbourne, we assess your individual case to decide on the safest and most effective approach for successful implant placement.
Can I skip bone grafting and still get implants?
For some patients, yes! Advanced dental implant techniques can sometimes bypass the need for bone grafting.
Alternatives to bone grafting:
- All-on-4® implants – The use of 4 implants that avoid areas of the jaw with deficient bone, avoiding the need for grafts.
- Zygomatic implants – Extra-long implants anchored in the cheekbone instead of the jaw.
Zygomatic implants can be life-changing for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss, eliminating the need for grafting. We’ll assess whether this technique is right for you.
Dr Felix Sim
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon Melbourne
Are there cases where dental implants just aren’t possible?
Unfortunately, yes. In cases of severe vertical bone loss, even bone grafting may not be predictable enough to support dental implants. While techniques like guided bone regeneration and sinus lifts can help restore lost bone, they are not always suitable for every patient.
Guided bone regeneration for vertical bone growth can be unpredictable, so we assess all cases carefully. When grafting isn’t a viable option, we explore other advanced techniques to see if implants are still possible.
Dr Felix Sim
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon Melbourne
In these cases, other solutions might be needed, such as:
- Custom-made titanium frames (KLS Martin IPS Preprosthetic Framework) – A special implant framework fixed to the jawbone.
- Zygomatic implants as mentioned before.
While these options work for many patients, there are rare cases where implants may not be feasible due to anatomical limitations or medical conditions.
What happens at a consultation for dental implants with bone loss?
Your first step is a detailed surgical assessment, including 3D scans to check your bone volume and anatomy.
As maxillofacial surgeons, we will consider:
- How many teeth need replacing?
- What type of prosthesis is planned? (Bridge vs removable denture)
- Medical risk factors (smoking, osteoporosis medications, gum disease)
Once all factors are considered,we will develop a personalised treatment plan and liaise with your Prosthodontist or dentist regarding the restorative or prosthetic plan of your dental
Implants.
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon Melbourne
What’s next?
If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for implants, don’t assume you’re out of options. With modern surgical techniques, bone loss is no longer a dealbreaker.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the specialist trained to assess your bone and offer solutions—whether it’s bone grafting, guided bone regeneration, zygomatic implants, or other advanced techniques.
The best way to find out if implants are possible for you? Book a consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon. Even with severe bone loss, we may still be able to offer a solution.