If there is not enough bone for the implant, you should not be disappointed, because there is the option of bone addition.
There are several methods of bone addition depending on the lack of bone, the size of the defect and the age of the defect.
The simplest and safest method is the extraction with bone addition or socket preservation, by which, when a tooth is extracted, the place is filled with bone and covered with a membrane.
If you already have extraction and a lack of bone, depending on the remaining defect various addition methods can be applied, from simple to complex.
A simple method is the sausage-type bone addition, which is done at the same time as the implant is inserted. During this, the bulking material is added, protected with a membrane, and secured with either sutures to the periosteum or membrane fixation pins.
A more complex method is GBR or Guided Bone ReGeneration, which involves restoring the bone support, usually without inserting the implant in the same session. Thus, 2-4 mm of new bone can be obtained both vertically and horizontally.
After this addition, wait 6 months before inserting the implants. The most complex addition method is the one with bone plates harvested and fixed with screws, an operation called Khoury. Through this, up to 8 mm of bone can be obtained both vertically and horizontally. After this operation, it takes 5-6 months until the implant is inserted.
If no more bone addition surgery can be done, there is the customized subperiosteal implant. It is digitally made 100% and fixes to the existing bone with fixation screws, bypasses anatomical structures, nerves and has a 6-month integration period. On this implant there are 4 connectors on which a total fixed work can be mounted.
In conclusion, there is a predictable solution for every situation. This is recommended depending on the patient's health status, age, working time, availability, budget and the patient's desire.
Article written by Dr. Răzvan Boberis – Dento-alveolar surgery specialist, master in implantology.
