Pre-implant bone grafts

Placing dental implants requires a sufficient amount of bone and gum tissue for the implant to last over time and for the future prosthesis to integrate optimally, improving comfort for the patient.

In many situations, the amount of available bone is limited, and placing an implant seems impossible.

It is entirely possible to rebuild lost bone volume through bone graft procedures, under simple local anaesthesia.

For these reconstructions, biomaterials (bone of animal origin or bone bank material) are often used, which limits the need to harvest bone and greatly reduces post-operative recovery, to around 1 week.

1. Guided bone regeneration

The membrane used may be fully resorbable collagen, or more rigid devices if the volume to be rebuilt is too large or complex. In these cases, reinforced membranes or titanium meshes are used.

In some cases, it is possible to place the implant at the same time as the bone reconstruction.

2. Sinus lift via crestal approach

When the bone deficit is moderate, it is entirely possible to perform a small sinus lift beneath the sinus membrane through the hole made to place the implant. The graft and the implant placement are then carried out simultaneously.

3. Lateral-approach sinus lift

When the bone deficit is more significant, a wider access is required. In this case, an approach through the side is considered.