Implants with Low Bone Density

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Placement of implants without dental bone

When the tooth is badly damaged and its extraction is imminent or it has already been lost, the dentist advises oral implantology treatment. Each patient has specific needs, due to the state of his or her mouth at that moment, possible oral pathologies present and other circumstances. One of the particularities that may occur is that the patient has little bone. Since implants have to be placed and fixed in the mandibular bone, it is essential that this structure exists, either naturally or by regenerating it with different techniques. At our clinics, we are experts in the placement of dental implants with low bone density in Barcelona, as well as at our Ibiza facilities.


Bone resorption can occur if we have delayed implant treatment too long. With tooth loss, the tissues of the mouth tend to adapt to their new situation. This is when the bone, no longer supporting the dentition, gradually disappears, since it no longer needs to support any teeth. Tooth loss can also cause the loss of adjacent teeth or those that correspond to it in the upper or lower arcade, as they do not find the natural stop that previously existed. That is why it is necessary to see an expert in implantology as soon as possible.


The longer the time between the loss of the tooth and the intervention, the more complicated the process will be, the more expensive it will be and the more inconvenient it will be for the patient. But, once the situation is given, our team is prepared to regenerate the bone with different possibilities and with the firm objective of restoring your dental health by putting all our means at your disposal.

How is the dental bone implant performed?

Dental bone grafting or bone grafting is the treatment we use to increase the size of the upper jaw or mandible in order to place dental implants in patients with little or insufficient bone. We recommend placing the dental implant at the same time as the extraction or as close as possible in time.


After a tooth extraction, especially if there has been an infection or significant inflammation, there is a loss of height and thickness of the jawbone. In some cases up to 40%, depending on the patient’s age. It is important to take advantage of a good bone base for the success of the treatment. Ideal bone height, width, and quality shorten treatment time, reduce discomfort, and improve the success rate.


Regarding the origin of the bone, these can be of both human and animal origin. If we only need to regenerate bone that has been lost in one to three teeth, we use particulate bone (similar to beach sand) and a membrane. The purpose of the membrane is to wrap the entire bone implant and minimize graft resorption. Another possibility is to obtain the graft from the patient’s own jaw, when at most one cubic centimeter is needed for regeneration.

Zygomatic implants

For patients with little or no bone, one can also opt for the use of Zygomatic Implants, which we also provide at our clinics.

How long do I have to wait to continue treatment after the graft?

The integration time of the dental bone graft or implant depends on several factors, such as the type of bone used, the volume of the bone to be grafted or the patient’s age. For implants with little bone, in our clinics in Barcelona and Ibiza we generally choose to work with the patient’s own bone or with donor bone. This process usually takes 4 months. If artificial bone or xenologous bone (cow, pig, horse, etc.) is used the time may be somewhat longer and up to 6 months.


Bone grafting has become a fairly common operation and possible discomfort is easily controlled with specific medication. Moreover, in reality, it only adds 10 minutes to the implant treatment itself. However, they are not always necessary. For this reason, a complete diagnosis is essential, such as the one we carry out in our clinics, with a free evaluation that includes a dental CAT scan. From here is when we can see, together with the patient, which treatment is the most appropriate in his case.

Dental implant techniques in the upper jaw.

Maxillary sinus lift.

A dental bone graft or bone grafting is a treatment used to increase the size of the upper jaw or mandible, allowing for the placement of dental implants in patients with limited or insufficient bone. It is recommended to perform this procedure simultaneously with the tooth extraction or as close to it as possible in terms of timing.

The bone graft technique consists of adding bone material to the jaw, improving its volume and density. By doing so, it creates a more stable base for the placement of dental implants. This treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced bone loss due to factors such as periodontal disease, tooth extraction, or trauma.

In cases where there is considerable bone loss in the posterior area of the upper jaw, the maxillary sinus lift technique can be used. The maxillary sinuses are hollow cavities located below the eye sockets, in the region of the molars and premolars of the upper jaw. During a sinus lift, the sinus membrane is gently lifted, creating space for the placement of bone graft material. This procedure successfully increases the amount of bone available for the secure placement of dental implants.

In summary, dental bone grafting or bone graft treatment is employed to increase the size of the upper jaw, allowing for the successful placement of dental implants in patients with insufficient bone. When there is significant bone loss in the posterior area of the upper jaw, the sinus lift technique is used to elevate the sinus membrane and create space for the bone graft material. This comprehensive approach ensures a stable foundation for the long-term success of dental implant placement.

Short Implants

Short dental implants, ranging from 4 mm to 6 mm in length, minimize the risk of complications in cases of low bone height by avoiding potential damage to the maxillary sinus and the inferior alveolar nerve. Their smaller size allows them to be placed in areas with less bone support, reducing the chances of damaging delicate structures and ensuring successful implant fixation.
Inserting traditional implants into a jaw with low height can pose risks of damaging the maxillary sinus and the inferior alveolar nerve. The upper and posterior parts of the maxillary bone, due to their proximity to the maxillary sinus and the limited quantity and quality of bone, are particularly susceptible to potential complications.
Short dental implants offer several benefits. Firstly, they provide a more comfortable treatment option compared to traditional implants in cases of low bone height. Additionally, the use of short dental implants eliminates the need for bone regeneration techniques, which saves costs. The healing process is also faster, as the small size of the implants requires minimal postoperative care.
Short dental implants are beneficial in cases of low bone height, as traditional implants can potentially damage the maxillary sinus and the inferior alveolar nerve. The upper and posterior parts of the maxillary bone are particularly delicate due to the limited quantity and poor quality of the bone, as well as its proximity to the maxillary sinus. Short dental implants, ranging from 4 mm to 6 mm in length, allow for placement in areas with less bone support, minimizing the risk of damaging structures and maximizing successful implant fixation.
Short dental implants are implants that are less than 8.5 mm in length. They are considered a comfortable alternative for dental implant treatment in cases where there is low bone height.

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Treatment options with bone and gum grafts.

At our clinics, we specialize in the placement of dental implants with minimal bone at both IMOI Barcelona and IMOI Ibiza. We understand that delaying implant treatment can lead to bone resorption, where the bone gradually disappears because it no longer needs to support the missing tooth. This can also result in the loss of adjacent teeth or those that should naturally align with the upper or lower arch, as the natural support they once had is no longer present. Therefore, it is essential to seek the expertise of an implantologist as soon as possible.

At our clinics, we are well-prepared to address these types of situations and offer various options for bone and gum regeneration. We understand the importance of restoring your dental health and have a range of techniques at our disposal. In addition to traditional approaches, we also offer bone grafts and gum grafts to provide a solid foundation for implant placement and improve the aesthetic appearance of the area.

When it comes to bone regeneration, we believe in tailoring the treatment to your specific needs. Our skilled team can use bone particles from your own mouth, such as the chin or the wisdom tooth area, to facilitate the regeneration process. Alternatively, we can use bone substitutes derived from animal sources, which can offer a convenient alternative and spare you the discomfort of undergoing procedures in multiple areas of the mouth. Our commitment is to provide the highest quality care and ensure your satisfaction.

We understand that the longer the delay between tooth loss and implant treatment, the more complex the process becomes, both in terms of the procedure itself and the potential challenges for the patient. Therefore, we recommend that you contact our expert implantology team as soon as possible so that we can evaluate your specific situation and provide the best course of action. Rest assured that we have the knowledge, experience, and resources to regenerate lost bone and gum tissue, with the ultimate goal of restoring your dental health.

What are the key factors for placing dental implants?

When a tooth is severely damaged or has been lost, dentists usually recommend oral implantology treatment. The unique circumstances of each patient, including the current state of their mouth and any existing oral pathologies, must be taken into account when determining the appropriate course of action. A particular consideration that may arise is the presence of insufficient bone. Since dental implants must be placed and firmly anchored in the jawbone, the existence of an adequate bone structure is crucial. This can occur naturally or can be regenerated through various techniques. Therefore, the availability of adequate bone quality and quantity is a fundamental factor in ensuring the success and stability of dental implants. By ensuring a strong jaw and sufficient bone, implants can be placed securely and firmly, providing long-lasting support and restoration for the patient’s oral health.

Can dental implants be placed without bone?

Sometimes, patients may present a unique challenge when they have minimal bone structure. The placement and stability of dental implants typically depend on the presence of sufficient jawbone. At our clinics, we specialize in addressing this issue and offer extensive experience in the successful placement of dental implants in patients with bone limitations in Barcelona and Ibiza.

It is essential to have a solid foundation for implant placement, whether naturally or through the use of regenerative techniques. Our skilled team understands the importance of adapting to individual circumstances and uses innovative methods to overcome this obstacle. By employing various cutting-edge approaches, we can effectively address the issue of bone insufficiency for implant placement.

We believe in providing comprehensive solutions for our patients, and that includes catering to those with minimal bone structure. Through our expertise and advanced techniques, we strive to ensure that our patients can benefit from dental implant procedures, even in challenging cases. Rest assured that our clinics are well-equipped to handle the complexities involved in placing dental implants in patients with limited bone, allowing us to help you achieve a healthy and confident smile.

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