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How is the amount of bone needed for a dental implant determined?

Last Updated: Nov 25, 2015

Hello! I am 34, and have congenitally missing lateral incisors. I had 5 consultations and 4 out of the 5 said they would not be comfortable with the job. If I have this right, I only have .5mm of bone in each area. I went last week to a cosmetic dentist about a bridge and he called me today saying his periodontist can do the implants, and the cost was significantly less that what the one surgeon who was willing to do the job quoted me at. I also have root resorption on the two teeth next to one of my missing teeth (I guess sue to braces). My question is, this dentist did not do a ct scan, only xrays. I didn’t think the amount of bone present could be determined by just xrays. Am I wrong? Should I be getting a ct scan to show how much bone there is?

2 Comments on How is the amount of bone needed for a dental implant determined?

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Theodore M. Grossman DMD

11/25/2015

Having done many implants in the "cosmetic zone",CBCT scans are highly recommended. It will allow precise measurement of bone volume in all dimensions. You may choose to be evaluated by an experienced surgeon who does grafting. Evaluation of the surrounding dentition will be easier too.

Ken Templeton DDS

11/25/2015

A cone beam CT scan is the standard of care for dental implant placement. The cone beam scan is less radation vs. a medical grade CT and provides a 3D vs. 2D picture of your jaw. The implant placement can be simulated on the CT scan and the amount of bone in this exact location can be determined. The bone levels on the teeth adjacent to the space of the missing tooth will be a factor in the level of implant placement and how natural the tooth looks attached to the implant. A lack of bone and/or root resorption of adjacent teeth can compromise the final esthetic outcome.Ken Templeton DDS

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