Implants in cases of bone loss – what are the options?

Last updated on: 5 Aug, 2026

Placing implants in cases of bone deficiency is possible through several main methods: bone augmentation (bone grafting), sinus lift, basal implants and All-on-4. The choice depends on the quantity and quality of the available bone; in many cases, the volume can be restored or techniques can be used that avoid the need for bone grafting.

Dental implantology at the level offered by the Dentatime clinic provides specific solutions for patients with varying degrees of bone deficiency. Even in cases of advanced bone resorption, modern methods offer a real possibility for successful tooth restoration.

Depending on the chosen approach, treatment may require a healing period of 4–9 months or allow for the placement of temporary teeth within a few days. In the following sections, you will explore all the options, when they are applied, and how to select the most suitable method for the specific case.

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Why is bone needed when placing implants?

Dental implants are high-tech titanium components that replace the natural tooth root. To remain stable in the mouth, they must be embedded in healthy and sufficiently dense jawbone. It is this bone that provides the support necessary for successful osseointegration – a process in which the implant integrates with the bone tissue and takes on the chewing load.

When a tooth is extracted or lost, the bone beneath it gradually atrophies, as it no longer receives the necessary mechanical load. Periodontal diseases, infections, trauma or prolonged use of removable dentures further accelerate this process. The longer the tooth is missing, the more pronounced the resorption in the affected area may be.

When an implant is placed in an area with insufficient bone volume, it cannot achieve the necessary initial stability. The risk of failure increases significantly, and the healing process is compromised. This is why assessing bone volume is an essential step prior to any implant treatment and determines the course of the entire therapy.

Methods for placing implants in cases of bone deficiency

Dental medicine has several well-established approaches for dealing with insufficient bone tissue. The choice of method depends on the extent of bone loss, the anatomical situation and the patient’s general health. The main options and when each is applied are described below.

Bone augmentation and bone grafting

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure in which bone material is added to the affected area to increase its volume. The bone graft may be taken from the patient’s own bone, from a donor, of animal origin, or synthetic – the type is selected according to the specific clinical case.

The aim is to create sufficient bone volume in which a dental implant can subsequently be placed. Bone regeneration using this method requires a longer healing period. The procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon under controlled conditions.

Sinus augmentation

Sinus augmentation, also known as a sinus lift, is a specific procedure performed in the upper jaw. When missing teeth are in the lateral regions of the upper jaw, the sinus cavity may have receded, leaving too little space for the implant.

In this surgical procedure, the floor of the maxillary sinus is raised and the space is filled with bone material. Once healed, there is sufficient bone for stable fixation of the implant in this area. The sinus lift is a well-established method with a high success rate when performed on appropriately selected patients, with accurate pre-operative diagnosis and an experienced implantologist.

Basal implants

Basal implants are a special type of implant that allow for immediate loading and are designed specifically for cases of severe bone loss. Unlike conventional implants, they reach deeper – down to the basal bone, which is denser and less susceptible to resorption than the alveolar bone.

Dentatime Clinic uses basal implantology, which allows for the treatment of bone loss without prior bone augmentation. Patients receive new teeth in just 3–5 days, without a lengthy treatment protocol, which is particularly suitable for cases of advanced alveolar bone resorption.

All-on-4

The All-on-4 method (a denture supported by four implants) offers a solution for complete edentulism, even where there is significant bone deficiency. Four implants are strategically placed, including at an angle, to utilise denser and more stable bone areas.

Dentatime recommends this method for patients for whom bone augmentation is undesirable or contraindicated. The result is a fixed prosthesis that provides a functional and aesthetic smile, without the need for prior surgical procedures to augment the bone.

How is it determined whether a patient is suitable for such a procedure?

A clinical assessment is the first step for any patient in whom significant resorption is suspected or has been confirmed. This involves a thorough examination, taking a medical history and a CT scan (3D imaging). The imaging examination provides a three-dimensional picture of the quantity and quality of the available bone.

In parallel with the imaging, the patient’s specific health status is also assessed. The presence of diabetes, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases or the use of certain medications can influence the choice of method and the expected results. This is precisely why comprehensive treatment planning is a strictly individual process.

Smoking also plays an important role. It significantly delays the healing of the bone graft and increases the risk of implant failure. Patients scheduled for augmentation are advised to stop smoking for at least a certain period before and after the procedure to ensure optimal conditions for healing.

What are the steps involved in placing a dental implant if there is a lack of bone?

Implant placement in cases of bone resorption always begins with a diagnosis. Based on the CT scan, the specialist draws up a precise plan that takes into account the volume of available bone, anatomical features and treatment objectives. Only then is the surgical stage undertaken.

If augmentation is required, it is performed before the implants are placed – sometimes at the same time as the tooth extraction, sometimes as a separate procedure. Bone augmentation can often be performed at the same time as the dental implant placement, depending on various prosthetic and surgical criteria.

The full recovery period following bone augmentation varies, but usually takes between 4 and 9 months. With basal implants or the All-on-4 procedure, the process is significantly shorter and the patient receives new teeth within a few days.

Standard post-procedure recommendations include maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding hard foods initially, regular check-ups, and strictly following the specialist’s instructions. Good care during the post-operative period is a key factor for successful osseointegration and lasting long-term results.

Are there any risks?

Any surgical procedure carries a certain degree of risk, and procedures involving insufficient bone are no exception. Among the more common side effects are temporary swelling, tenderness and limited mouth opening after the operation. Serious complications, such as infection or implant rejection, are rarer.

Risks are minimised when dental implantology is performed by an experienced specialist using high-quality materials and following a thorough pre-operative assessment. Dentatime Clinic works with leading dental implant systems and adheres to strict safety protocols to ensure maximum comfort and predictable results for every patient.

Conclusion

A lack of bone does not automatically mean that dental implants are impossible. Modern implantology offers a variety of solutions: from bone grafting and sinus augmentation to basal implants and All-on-4. The key is to plan treatment on an individual basis following precise diagnosis and with a clear understanding of the specific clinical situation.

If you suspect you have significant bone resorption, or have already received such a diagnosis, do not delay your consultation. At Dentatime Clinic, you can receive expert answers to your questions and a clear roadmap to your new smile. Contact us – it all starts with a conversation.

Frequently asked questions

How long must one wait after bone augmentation before having an implant fitted?

The healing period following bone augmentation is usually between 4 and 9 months, depending on the volume and type of bone material added. Only once healing is complete will the specialist proceed with implant placement.

Can implants be placed in cases of complete bone loss?

In cases of severe bone loss, basal implants or the All-on-4 method are used, whereby the implants reach denser and more stable areas of the bone. Dentatime Clinic offers both approaches, even in cases of advanced resorption.

Is treatment more expensive in cases of bone loss?

Implant treatment for bone deficiency may involve additional procedures such as bone grafting or sinus augmentation, which affects the overall cost. An accurate estimate is provided following clinical diagnosis and 3D tomography at the clinic.

Is bone grafting painful?

The procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia and is not painful during the procedure itself. The post-operative period may be slightly uncomfortable, but this is well managed with the prescribed medication and the specialist’s recommendations.