Addressing Patient’s Bone Loss with Extensive Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

After experiencing severe teeth discoloration, gaps between his teeth, and gum recession, Craig, a patient from Washington, DC, came to Elite Prosthetic Dentistry for help.

While Craig did not experience significant decay or breakdown of his teeth, he did have extensive bone loss. As a result, any dental implants placed using a “new teeth in a day” approach would have ultimately failed because the bone had not been restored to the point that it could support the implants.

For a successful treatment—meaning a smile that looks natural, functions properly, and lasts a lifetime—Craig required bone grafts. Our team successfully completed the bone grafts and waited six months for the bone to be fully integrated with his natural bone to ensure a strong site for implant placement.

We placed six dental implants for an All-on-4-type therapy. Once the implants were inserted, we were then able to proceed with Craig’s smile restoration by designing his final restorations. This treatment case is an example of not allowing the speed of treatment to be prioritized over appropriately preparing the surgical site for the utmost success.

watch: Dr. Marlin Discusses a Dental Implant Patient Case Involving Bone Preservation