My dentist says I might need a bone graft before I get implants because my buccal bone is thin. How can I confirm it? Is this a necessary procedure or an upsell? Thanks. Ian
Ian,
We understand that learning you might need a bone graft before getting dental implants can raise questions and concerns. We want to help clarify why your dentist recommended this step and what it means for your treatment plan.
What Is the Buccal Bone, and Why Might You Need a Graft?
The buccal bone is the bone on the cheek side of your jaw that forms the outer wall of the tooth sockets. For dental implants to be a successful long-term solution, they require a solid foundation of bone to fuse with and remain stable under chewing pressure.
Your dentist evaluates the volume and density of your jawbone, including the buccal plate, using advanced imaging like 3-D CT scans. If this scan reveals that your buccal bone is thin or lacks sufficient volume in the area planned for implant placement, it may not provide adequate support for the implant to integrate securely and last for many years. In such situations, your dentist recommends a bone graft procedure. This procedure adds bone material to the deficient area, building up the necessary volume and density. It ensures your dental implants have enough healthy bone to fuse with, providing a strong and stable foundation.
We know that adding a step to the process involves planning. A bone graft typically requires a healing period of about three to four months for your body to integrate the graft material before your dentist can place the dental implants. Your dentist will factor this necessary healing time into your overall treatment schedule, and as of late April 2025, they will outline this timeline with you.
Why Is Addressing Bone Volume Crucial?
Here’s why adequate bone is so crucial for implant success:
- Risk of Failure: Implants placed in thin or weak bone may not integrate properly with the jawbone. This lack of fusion can make the implants loose or fail completely over time.
- Potential for Complications: An unstable implant can irritate the surrounding tissues. This irritation can lead to infection, compromising the health of the implant site and adjacent areas of your mouth.
We want you to feel confident and informed about your treatment plan. You can ask your dentist to review your 3-D CT scan and show you the specific measurements of your buccal bone, explaining why you can benefit from a graft. Furthermore, seeking a second opinion is a common and respected practice. You can request a digital copy of your scan and share it with another qualified implant dentist or oral surgeon to get their assessment of your case.
Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post. Read about Dr. Thomas’s commitment to giving his patients the best dental care he can.