Why Bone Health Matters When Considering Dental Implants

19/05/2025

Why Bone Health Matters When Considering Dental Implants

If you’re thinking about replacing missing teeth with dental implants, you’re likely already aware of the many benefits they offer: natural appearance, long-term reliability, and the ability to eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence.

But there’s one essential factor that often goes under the radar until your consultation — bone health. So, what does the health of your bones have to do with dental implants?

At Harley Private Dental in Sheffield, we always take the time to explain why your jawbone plays such a crucial role in implant success and what can be done if your bone isn’t quite where it needs to be yet. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Is Bone Important for Dental Implants?

Dental implants aren’t just placed in the gums, they’re anchored directly into your jawbone, where they act like artificial tooth roots. This connection is what makes implants so stable, strong, and long-lasting.

For the implant to properly bond (in a process called osseointegration), there needs to be enough healthy bone in place to support it. If the bone is too thin, soft, or has shrunk over time, the implant may not be able to take hold securely.

In short: healthy bone is the foundation of a successful implant.

What Causes Bone Loss?

Bone loss in the jaw often follows tooth loss. When a natural tooth is removed, the bone around it is no longer stimulated by the pressure of chewing—and without that stimulation, it begins to break down and resorb over time.

Other causes of bone loss include:

• Gum disease (periodontitis) – which can damage the bone supporting your teeth
• Infections–  particularly if left untreated
• Long-term denture use – which doesn’t stimulate the jaw in the same way implants or natural teeth do
• Trauma or injury – which can affect the underlying bone structure

This is why we encourage you to explore dental implants sooner rather than later after tooth loss— waiting too long can limit your options due to ongoing bone deterioration.

How Do We Assess Bone Health?

At your initial consultation at Harley Private Dental, we’ll carry out a detailed examination, including advanced digital scans to assess your bone density, volume, and overall oral health. This allows us to create a custom treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

Don’t worry, this part of the process is completely painless and helps us give you the most accurate advice on what’s possible.

What If I Don’t Have Enough Bone?

If we find that your jawbone isn’t currently strong enough to support an implant, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Thanks to modern techniques, you can often rebuild or regenerate bone using treatments such as:

1. Bone Grafting

This involves placing a small amount of bone material in the area where the implant will go. Over time, this graft helps your body create new bone to support the implant securely. It’s a safe and common procedure and may be done prior to, or in some cases at the same time as, implant placement.

2. Sinus Lifts

If you’re missing teeth in the upper back jaw, we may recommend a sinus lift. This procedure raises the sinus floor and adds bone to the area, creating enough space to safely place an implant.

Looking After Your Bone Health

The good news is, once your dental implants are in place, they’ll actually help preserve the bone by stimulating it, just like natural teeth do. This is one of the key reasons implants are a long-term investment in oral health.

To protect your jawbone and overall implant success, we also recommend:

• Brushing and flossing daily to keep your gums healthy
• Attending regular check-ups and hygiene appointments
• Avoiding smoking, which can slow healing and increase bone loss
• Staying on top of any medical conditions that may affect your bones or healing (like diabetes)

Dental Implants in Sheffield

Bone health might not be something you’ve given much thought to, but if you’re considering dental implants, it’s one of the most essential pieces of the puzzle. At Harley Private Dental, we take the time to assess your individual needs and offer straightforward, honest advice about your options, including any steps we can take to prepare your mouth for treatment.

If you’re ready to explore dental implants or simply want to know if you’re a suitable candidate, we’d be delighted to help. Contact us today to book your consultation. 

Back to Blog