Will I Need Bone Grafting for an Implant-Supported Denture?

Will I need bone grafting for an implant-supported denture? I’ve worn a denture for nine years and want to anticipate what a dentist might recommend during a consultation. How much bone loss is too much? I probably have some. I know to ask for at least four implants, but I don’t know whether I should mention bone grafting. Thank you. Foster

 

Foster,

You are wise to have been researching what’s involved in getting an implant overdenture.

Will You Need Bone Grafting for an Implant-Supported Denture?

You may need bone grafting for an overdenture if you lack enough quality bone to support dental implants. According to an article by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the jawbone can shrink up to 50 percent in the first six months after tooth loss.

A prosthodontist will take a 3D CT scan to measure your bone volume and determine if you need a bone graft to support the dental implants. A May 2021 article in the medical publication Molecules states describes dental bone grafting in these terms:

• The only solution to reverse dental bone loss
• A well-accepted procedure
• Required in one in every four dental implants

Some implant overdenture options, such as All-on-4 or All-on-6 dental implants, minimize the need for bone grafting. However, a dentist must verify your eligibility for this technique.

You Qualify for Dental Implants Bone Grafting?

You probably qualify for dental implant bone grafting if the following is true:

• Maintain good oral health
• Healthy enough for oral surgery and dental procedures
• Non-smoker

After bone grafting, you can expect four to twelve months of healing, depending on your health, graft material and type, the extent of grafting needed, and your healing rate.

Schedule a consultation with at least two prosthodontists, specialists with two years of post-graduate training in tooth restoration and dental implant placement. During the consultations, you can ask questions about implant overdentures and learn whether you need bone grafting. Scheduling multiple consultations allows you to compare your options and costs and decide which provider you prefer.

When you are ready for an implant-supported denture, your prosthodontist will create a customized treatment plan, which may include a bone graft procedure.

 

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.