Can you have too much bone loss for a bone graft?
I have very bad bone loss around my lower incisor. I have known for a while i would need to get an implant. I went to an orthodontist and i was told i have too much bone loss. As a result, i was told they want to remove the bad tooth (which is what i expected). Then move the good tooth, beside the bad tooth, across to fill the gap left by the now removed tooth. Then in the space where the good tooth was, place the implant. I have researched implants and have never seen this procedure described, lots about bone grafts but nothing about this. Should i get a second opinion or does this sound reasonable?
1 Comments on Can you have too much bone loss for a bone graft?
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Dr. Carlos Boudet
11/25/2015
The answer to your question is no.
If you have too much bone loss you may not get all the bone back with a bone graft, but you can certainly have one.
The only way to tell you what is best in your particular case is by looking at your x-rays and in your mouth.
You can move a tooth into an extraction site as you describe and place an implant next to it, but you can also close the gap with orthodontics and eliminate the need for an implant.
Make sure you talk to your dentist about all your options.
Only he or she has the information necessary to counsel you on what is best for you.
Good luck! Dr. Carlos Boudet
