REYES PATIENT EDUCATION · 002
Why bone
matters.
Dental implants need an appropriate foundation of supporting bone. When bone is limited, grafting may sometimes be used to rebuild or preserve the area for treatment.
Educational information · Not patient-specific
Explore the storyExplore at your own pace. These models explain concepts—not your anatomy, candidacy, or a fixed treatment sequence.
01 / FOUNDATION
An implant needs support.
The foundation surrounds the implant.
Bone dimensions, quality, surrounding anatomy, restorative goals, and other clinical factors are considered during implant planning.
This stylized cross-section shows a relationship, not a recommended implant position or a measure of bone quality.
EDUCATIONAL MODEL · NOT PATIENT-SPECIFIC · NOT TO SCALE
02 / TOOTH LOSS
Bone can change after tooth loss.
A site changes after a tooth is lost.
The bone and soft tissues can change after a tooth is lost. The amount varies among patients and sites.
This sequence shows dimensional ridge remodeling conceptually. It does not show a universal amount or rate of bone loss.
EDUCATIONAL MODEL · NOT PATIENT-SPECIFIC · NOT TO SCALE
03 / LIMITED BONE
Sometimes the foundation needs rebuilding.
The surrounding bone matters.
Compare a wider ridge with a reduced ridge. In the reduced example, the proposed implant extends beyond the surrounding bone contour.
Only an examination and appropriate imaging can determine whether grafting is indicated.
Adequate ridge
Reduced ridge
CONCEPTUAL COMPARISON · NOT A CANDIDACY ASSESSMENT
04 / GRAFTING
Creating a better foundation.
Supporting an area during healing.
A graft may help rebuild or preserve an area. Materials and techniques differ according to the defect and the treatment plan.
Barrier membranes may sometimes be used to help protect and contain a grafted area during healing. This example is not a promise of reconstruction.
EDUCATIONAL MODEL · NOT PATIENT-SPECIFIC · NOT TO SCALE
05 / TIMING
The sequence depends on the site.
Different situations call for different sequences.
The appropriate sequence depends on anatomy, the defect, treatment objectives, implant stability, healing considerations, and the clinician’s treatment plan.
These pathways are conceptual examples. They are not interchangeable options or a way to choose your own procedure.
Extraction + grafting · Grafting may be considered at an extraction site to help preserve the area.
EDUCATIONAL MODEL · NOT PATIENT-SPECIFIC · NOT TO SCALE
06 / HEALING
Rebuilding takes time.
Healing is a biological process.
Healing involves biological remodeling over time. The timeline varies by procedure, site, materials, health factors, and individual healing.
Graft material does not instantly become mature bone. This sequence is not a clock, a prediction of healing, or a guarantee of bone regeneration.
EDUCATIONAL MODEL · NOT PATIENT-SPECIFIC · NOT TO SCALE
07 / IMPLANT
From foundation to restoration.
A foundation for the next conversation.
A reconstructed site can be evaluated for implant treatment. Planning, placement, and restoration depend on the clinical situation.
Reconstruction and implant success are not guaranteed. Actual next steps depend on examination, healing, and the individualized treatment plan.
EDUCATIONAL MODEL · NOT PATIENT-SPECIFIC · NOT TO SCALE
Continue learning → How Dental Implants Work
A LITTLE MORE CLARITY
Common questions.
Does everyone getting an implant need a bone graft?
No. Need for grafting depends on the individual site and treatment plan.
Where does graft material come from?
Materials may include your own bone or processed human, animal-derived, or synthetic materials, depending on the clinical situation and product. These materials differ; they are not interchangeable.
Is bone grafting painful?
Anesthesia is used during surgical treatment. Postoperative discomfort and recovery experiences vary; your dental team will explain the care plan and what to expect.
How long does a bone graft take to heal?
There is no single timeline. Healing depends on the procedure, site, materials, health factors, and individual circumstances.
Can the implant and graft be placed together?
Sometimes they can. Other situations require staged treatment. The plan depends on the site, implant stability, and healing considerations.
What happens if I don't have enough bone?
Options depend on the specific anatomy. They may include grafting, changes to the implant or restorative plan, alternative tooth-replacement approaches, or other individualized options.
A CONVERSATION IS A GOOD START
Wondering about your
implant foundation?
An examination gives us a starting point to discuss your options.
An appointment request does not confirm an appointment.