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Dental Expert

Can I Get Dental Implants If I Have Bone Loss? (Yes — Here’s How)

By Dr. Kinnar Shah | Cosmetic Dentist & Implant Mentor | SmileConcepts Sydney
6 Sep 2025

Table of Contents

If you’ve been told you’re “not a candidate for implants because of bone loss,” I want you to pause, and read this carefully.

Because for many of our patients at SmileConcepts, bone loss isn’t the end of the story—it’s just the beginning of the right treatment plan.

In fact, with today’s digital technology and modern techniques, dental implants are still very possible, even if you’ve lost bone due to age, gum disease, or long-term missing teeth.

Let’s break it down.

Why Bone Loss Happens After Tooth Loss?

And when that stimulation disappears, the bone begins to shrink. This process is called bone resorption, and it starts within months of losing a tooth.

Over time, this can lead to:

    • Facial sagging or a “sunken-in” look
    • Compromised bite and speech
    • Difficulty wearing dentures or placing implants

But here’s the good news:

Modern implant dentistry offers several powerful solutions to work around, or even reverse, bone loss.

Can You Still Get Dental Implants with Bone Loss?

Yes, in most cases, you can.

Depending on the severity and location of the bone loss, we may recommend one of the following advanced treatment strategies:

1. All-on-4 Dental Implants (Tilting the Odds in Your Favour)

This technique uses strategically angled implants placed in areas of naturally stronger bone, often avoiding the need for grafting altogether.

  • Ideal for patients with significant bone loss in the upper or lower jaw
  • Fast treatment, often same-day teeth
  • Excellent long-term results

2. Bone Grafting (Rebuilding the Foundation)

If you’ve lost too much bone in a specific area, we can regrow or restore bone using grafting material.

Types of grafting include:

    • Socket preservation (done immediately after extraction)
    • Sinus lift (for upper back teeth near the sinuses)
    • Ridge augmentation (for long-term bone loss)
  • Allows for implant placement in areas previously unsuitable
  • High success rate when planned and performed properly
  • Adds 3–6 months to the timeline, but ensures stronger long-term stability

3. Zygomatic Implants (for Severe Bone Loss)

In rare cases of extreme upper jaw bone loss, longer implants can be anchored into the cheekbone (zygoma).

  • Avoids sinus lifts or large grafts
  • Suitable for full arch restorations
  • Requires advanced surgical expertise (we refer to select specialists when needed)

How We Assess Your Bone Structure at SmileConcepts?

We never guess.

We take a high-resolution 3D CBCT scan to assess:

  • The volume and density of your jawbone
  • Proximity to nerves and sinuses
  • Suitability for All-on-4, traditional implants, or grafting

It’s not just about what’s possible, it’s about what’s safe, predictable, and long-lasting.

Take The Step.
Call Smile Concepts.

A smile can open doors and change lives.

Patient Story: “I Was Told I Couldn’t Have Implants”

Mark, 59, came to us after three clinics told him he didn’t have enough bone for implants.

After a full 3D scan, we developed a plan using bone grafting and All-on-6 implants. 12 months later, he’s eating steak, smiling in photos, and says:

“It feels like a second chance I didn’t think was possible.”

The Biggest Mistake People Make After Bone Loss

Waiting too long.

The longer you go without a tooth, the more bone you lose, and the more complex the reconstruction becomes.

That’s why we always recommend early consultation, even if you’re not ready to proceed right away.

We Make Complex Cases Simple at SmileConcepts

Here’s what makes us different:

  • 20+ years of experience with full-arch and grafting cases
  • 3D digital planning on every case
  • Access to multiple implant systems and solutions
  • Compassionate, clear guidance, no pressure
  • Customised payment plans for every budget

Ready to find out if dental implants are still possible for you?

Book your consultation or call (02) 9267 7777

We’ll show you what’s possible, even if you’ve been told “no” before.

Dr Kinnar Shah

“Bone loss isn’t the end of your story. With the right plan, it can be the start of something extraordinary.”

Smile Concepts is a high-end dental clinic in the heart of Sydney. To deliver the best service, we always prioritise your wellbeing so we can use our expertise to help you live a better life.

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Dr Manish Shah

Dr. Manish Shah is a cosmetic dentist with a special interest in porcelain veneers, dental implants and Invisalign in Sydney. 

Dr Kinnar Shah
BDS (Gla)

Dr. Kinnar Shah is a cosmetic dentist with a special interest in cometic dentistry, porcelain veneers and dental implants practising at Smile Concepts.