Bone regeneration for implants
Have you been told you do not have enough bone for implants? When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area can shrink over time. A removable denture can also put pressure on the gum and contribute to this bone loss.
If there is not enough bone to place implants, in some cases we can carry out bone regeneration. In others, it may be possible to place the implants without a graft. The medical team assesses your scans and X-rays and explains which solution is suitable for your case, how many stages will be needed and how long you may have to wait between them.
When does the bone need to be prepared?
Bone regeneration may be considered when there is not enough bone in the area where an implant is to be placed. This can happen, for example:
After losing a tooth.
When a tooth has been missing for many years.
When bone has been lost around teeth that had to be extracted.
Having little bone does not always mean you need a graft. The position and type of implant may also be among the options. The decision depends on the amount and location of the available bone.
There are different ways to prepare the bone
GBR — guided bone regeneration
The surgeon places material in the area where bone is missing and protects it with a membrane. The aim is to create better conditions for placing and supporting the implant. When the bone deficit is small, this procedure can in some cases be carried out in the same surgery in which the implant is placed.
Sinus lift
This technique may be needed when bone is missing at the back of the upper jaw. The surgeon creates space beneath the maxillary sinus and places material in that area so that implants can be placed. Depending on the bone already present, the implants can be placed in the same surgery or after a healing period.
Block bone graft
A block of bone material is placed in areas with a more significant deficit. This makes it possible to rebuild enough bone volume to receive implants.
More complex regeneration
When bone loss is greater, a larger area may need to be rebuilt. In these cases, treatment may be divided into stages: first the bone is prepared; once it has healed, the implants are placed.
The team explains the planned stages before you book your trip. If the scans show that another implant technique makes more sense, that option will also be discussed with you.
How the treatment works
Plan and quote
Send a recent panoramic X-ray and, if you already have them, any other scans of the area to be treated. Photos also help us understand your case. If you do not yet have a panoramic X-ray, we can send you a referral so you can have one taken near you. The medical team carries out a first remote assessment and presents a plan and quote. If a CBCT scan is needed to define the details of the surgery, we will let you know.
Before your trip
Once you approve the plan, you have a video call with Dr Ana Leitão to review your health, medication, medical conditions and allergies, answer your questions and prepare for treatment.
Appointment in Portugal
Once the plan has been approved and you are in Portugal, we explain in detail the medication and the care needed before and after surgery. You do not need this in-person appointment to receive your first quote.
Treatment
Depending on your case, preparing the bone and placing the implants may be done in the same surgery. If more bone needs to be rebuilt, we carry out the regeneration first and place the implants at a later stage.
Healing
The bone needs time to heal. How long depends on the technique used and the amount of bone to be regenerated. The team monitors your progress and tells you when you can move on to the next stage.
Implants and teeth
If the implants have not yet been placed, we plan that surgery once healing is complete. Fitting the final teeth follows the timetable set out for your implant treatment.
Follow-up
Before you return home, we explain the care you will need and how your follow-up will be arranged. If any questions arise after your trip, we are always available to help.
