Understanding the defect before choosing a technique
After a tooth is lost, the bone remodels. Gum disease, infection or particular anatomy can also explain a ridge that has become narrow or too low.
The assessment must show where the bone is missing, how much is missing and how it relates to the nerves or sinuses. The amount of bone is not the only factor: soft tissue, the bite and future maintenance also matter.
Reconstruct or adapt the plan?
| Situation to assess | Options to discuss |
|---|---|
| Tooth to be extracted | Socket preservation if indicated. |
| Ridge too thin or too low | Reconstruction by bone graft or guided regeneration. |
| Limited height below the sinus | Sinus lift or an adapted implant choice, depending on the case. |
| Major reconstruction being considered | Compare its benefits and constraints with other implant or prosthetic solutions. |
No line in this table is an automatic indication. The number of stages and the choice of materials are personalised.
Points to clarify at your consultation
- What benefit does reconstruction bring to the future tooth?
- Can it be combined with the implant, or is waiting necessary?
- What are the risks, the timeframe and the alternatives?
- How will the prosthesis be maintained?
What if a short implant were possible?
In some situations, a short implant makes it possible to use the available bone without increasing its height. This option should be compared with reconstruction, based on your anatomy and the future prosthesis. Discover Bicon short implants and their indications.
In cases of severe upper jaw atrophy
When bone support in the upper jaw is very limited, a specialist assessment may include zygomatic implants among the alternatives to major reconstruction. Understand the extra-sinus approach, its advantages and its limits.
This general information helps you prepare for your consultation. Treatment, its risks and aftercare instructions are adapted to your situation by the surgeon.