Implants with severe bone lossa fixed solution is often possible
Years without teeth, gum disease or failed grafts can leave the jaw with very little bone. With a 3D study and the right technique, many of these patients can still have fixed teeth.
“…I travelled from the Netherlands to have wisdom tooth surgery with Dr. Eloy Bustamante, and the experience exceeded all my expectations.”
EEdgar G.IDEA patient · Google review, translated from Spanish
“I had several implants placed and the whole process was impeccable from start to finish.”
RRober F.IDEA patient · Google review, translated from Spanish
“…after three implants and all 4 wisdom teeth out, I haven't felt any pain or discomfort at all!! That was my biggest fear, and nothing, nothing at all”
AAna C.IDEA patient · Google review, translated from Spanish
“I don't mind how many kilometres I live from the clinic: the peace of mind and the results make it worth it.”
BBorjaIDEA patient · Google review, translated from Spanish
“…I'm very, very happy with the result, it has changed my life.”
PPatricia G.IDEA patient · Google review, translated from Spanish
“…Dr. Eloy Bustamante explains everything in great detail and inspires a lot of confidence.”
YYago E.IDEA patient · Google review, translated from Spanish
“…They are with you at every moment and make the treatment simple and completely painless.”
RRaúl A.IDEA patient · Google review, translated from Spanish
“…Thank you for literally giving my parents-in-law their smile back!”
VVeronica C.IDEA patient · Google review, translated from Spanish
“…zero pain and no longer afraid of going to the dentist.”
AAna P.IDEA patient · Google review, translated from Spanish
“From the very first consultation, I felt an enormous sense of calm.”
IIsabel M.IDEA patient · Google review, translated from Spanish
“…has that ability to translate complex topics into clear and simple language…”
AArlen R.IDEA patient · Google review, translated from Spanish
“Thanks to them, I have a spectacular smile and divine teeth…”
NNuria V.IDEA patient · Google review, translated from Spanish
“One of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.”
AAlicia J.IDEA patient · Google review, translated from Spanish
The problem
Why the jaw loses bone
The bone that holds the teeth needs them to stay in shape. When teeth are lost, the bone gradually shrinks, both in height and width. Removable dentures and advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can speed up the process.
The result is what we call severe bone atrophy: not enough bone to place conventional implants. Many patients are told the only option is a removable denture, or a long series of bone grafts before any implant can be placed.
Signs you may have significant bone loss
You have worn a removable denture for years and it moves more and more
You have been told you "don't have bone" for implants
You had grafts or implants that failed
Your face looks sunken around the mouth
Options
Techniques that use the bone you still have
Instead of rebuilding the bone first, these techniques anchor the implants where solid bone remains. The right option depends on your 3D study.
01
Zygomatic implants
Long implants anchored in the cheekbone, for severe bone loss in the upper jaw. Learn more
02
Pterygoid implants
Implants anchored in the dense bone at the back of the upper jaw, avoiding the sinus area.
03
Custom implants
Designed from your CT scan to fit your remaining bone, for cases where standard implants are not an option.
Sometimes a bone graft is still the best choice. In that case we explain why, how long it takes and how we can organise it around your trips to Madrid.
3D study
The answer is in the 3D scan
A panoramic X-ray is not enough to plan complex cases. At IDEA we have our own CS 9600 3D CT scanner, with a field of view large enough to study the jaws, the sinuses and the cheekbones in a single scan.
With it, the surgeon measures exactly how much bone you have and where, and plans the implants digitally before surgery.
Diagnosis and planning on the same day of your visit
3D digital planning and precise execution of the surgery
Your scans in digital format to share with your dentist at home
Process
How we work with international patients
Your 3D CT scan
Get a dental 3D CT scan (CBCT) near home and send us the DICOM files and a few photos.
Free video consultation
With your CT scan already studied, we explain which technique suits your remaining bone.
Surgery with sedation
Implants placed with an anaesthetist and, when stability allows it, fixed provisional teeth around 24 hours later.
Final teeth
A second trip once the bone has healed, for your final prosthesis and maintenance plan.
FAQ
Severe bone loss: your questions
I've been told I don't have enough bone for implants. Is there another option?
Often there is. Zygomatic, pterygoid or custom implants use areas of bone that remain solid. Only a 3D CT scan can confirm it: send us yours before the free video consultation and we will tell you what is possible.
Do I always need a bone graft?
Not always. In many cases of severe atrophy these techniques avoid long grafting procedures. When a graft is the best option, we explain why.
My previous implants or grafts failed. Can you help?
We regularly treat patients after failed grafts or implants. We study your case in 3D to find a reliable alternative.
Do I need a CT scan before the video consultation?
Yes, we ask for it. A dental 3D CT scan (CBCT) of both jaws, with the DICOM files, lets the surgeon study your bone before the call, so we can give you real answers. In Madrid we take any additional images we need for the final planning.
Will the surgery hurt?
It is done under local anaesthesia and conscious sedation monitored by an anaesthetist. Afterwards, discomfort is usually controlled with standard pain relief.
Enjoy Madrid
Take care of your smile, enjoy Madrid
The clinic is next to Retiro Park, a short walk from the Prado. Plan a few calm days and enjoy the city between appointments.
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