Not Enough Bone for Dental Implants in Manchester, NH?

If you were told years ago that you didn't have enough bone for dental implants, that answer may have changed. At Mann Family Dental in Manchester, NH, Dr. Russell Mann plans implants on a 3D scan, so you can see how much bone you have and what can be done about it. Here's what "not enough bone" means, how bone grafting fits in, and what your first visit with us looks like.

Can you get dental implants if you've been told you don't have enough bone?

It may still be possible. When the jawbone isn't thick enough or is too soft to hold an implant, a bone graft may be done first to build up the area so it can support one, as the Mayo Clinic explains. The way to find out where you stand is to look closely at your bone.

That's why your implant plan with us starts with a scan. You can read more about dental implants at Mann Family Dental, from single teeth to full-mouth care.

What does a 3D scan show about your jawbone?

A 3D scan lets Dr. Mann see your jawbone in three dimensions, so he can plan where an implant would go and whether the area needs more bone first. Your first visit with us includes a 3D scan, full x-rays and a digital scan of your teeth, and you and Dr. Mann look at them together on the screen.

Seeing your own scan makes the conversation easier. You'll know whether a graft would come first and what your options look like before you decide anything. Dr. Mann explains what he sees in plain words, and our team goes over the cost and financing with you before anything starts.

What is a bone graft for dental implants, and how long does it take?

A bone graft adds bone to the part of your jaw that needs more support, so an implant has a solid base. A graft may need several months to heal before an implant goes in, and when only a small amount of bone is needed, a minor graft can sometimes be done during the same surgery as the implant.

Bone matters because of how implants work. The implant post is placed in your upper or lower jaw, and the bone grows around it and holds it in place, a process called osseointegration, as the American Dental Association's MouthHealthy site describes.

Dr. Mann plans and places your implants himself and rebuilds bone or gum tissue when a case calls for it. The doctor who first sits down with you is the one who finishes your smile. Learn more about bone grafting for dental implants at our office.

Why do Manchester patients choose Mann Family Dental for dental implants?

At Mann Family Dental, one doctor guides your care from the first scan to the finished smile. Dr. Mann trained in implant surgery with oral surgeon Dr. Michael Pikos, and he places implants himself at our Manchester dental office, which serves Goffstown, Bedford and Hooksett. He also calls new patients himself, usually the same day they book.

Your first visit runs about 90 minutes, and Dr. Mann spends the first 10 to 15 minutes getting to know you and what you want for your smile before the exam begins. "You cannot do that in 30 minutes," he says. If the news about your bone feels like a lot to take in, you can talk again the following week, because, as he tells patients, "ultimately, the decision is yours."

Frequently asked questions about bone and dental implants

Does everyone need a bone graft before dental implants?

No. A bone graft is recommended when your jawbone isn't thick enough or is too soft to support an implant. Your 3D scan shows Dr. Mann how much bone you have where the implant would go, so a graft becomes part of your plan only when your scan shows you need one. You'll see the same images he does.

Why does an implant need enough bone?

Chewing puts real pressure on your jawbone, and an implant has to stand up to that pressure every day. The post is held in place as your bone grows around it, so the bone needs enough thickness and strength to support it. If it doesn't have that, a graft can build up the area first.

Can a bone graft be done at the same time as an implant?

Sometimes. When only a small amount of bone is needed, a minor graft can sometimes be done during the same surgery as the implant. When more bone is needed, the graft may need several months to heal before the implant is placed. Dr. Mann will walk you through which approach fits your scan and your goals.

What should I bring up at my first visit?

Tell Dr. Mann what you were told before about your bone, what you'd like to be able to eat and how you want your smile to look. Share your full health history too, because conditions like diabetes and tobacco use can slow healing after surgery. You'll look at your scan together and talk through every option.

If you've been told you don't have enough bone for implants, we'd love to take a fresh look with you. You can start with a complimentary consultation, which includes a digital scan and photos of your smile. Call us at (603) 625-9823 or send us a message to schedule your visit.

Published by Mann Family Dental (Dr. Russell D. Mann).