Wondering If You Have Enough Bone for a Dental Implant? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re considering dental implants, you may be asking:
How much bone is needed for a dental implant?
What happens if I don’t have enough bone?
Are there affordable ways to get a bone graft if needed?
A strong and healthy jawbone is essential for a successful dental implant. However, bone loss is common—especially if you’ve been missing teeth for a long time.
The good news? Even if you have low bone density, you can still get a dental implant with the right treatment.
This guide will explain how much bone is needed for a dental implant, what happens if you don’t have enough, and affordable options to restore your bone for a successful implant.
How Much Bone Is Needed for a Dental Implant?
The minimum bone requirement for a dental implant depends on the implant size and location in the mouth.
General Bone Requirements for Dental Implants:
✔ Bone Height: At least 10 mm (millimeters) of bone height is needed.
✔ Bone Width: At least 6 mm of bone width is required.
✔ Bone Density: The bone must be strong enough to support the implant.
If you have at least 10 mm of bone height and 6 mm of width, you may be a good candidate for implants without needing a bone graft.
➡ Find out if you have enough bone for implants at The Patient Marketplace.
What If I Don’t Have Enough Bone for an Implant?
If your jawbone isn’t thick or strong enough, your dentist may recommend a bone graft to add volume and density before placing the implant.
Signs You May Need a Bone Graft:
❌ Tooth loss for a long time (bone shrinks over time).
❌ Gum disease history (can cause bone loss).
❌ Jawbone appears too narrow or short on X-rays.
❌ Previous extractions, trauma, or infection damaged the bone.
Without enough bone, an implant may fail, which is why a bone graft is often necessary.
➡ Check if you need a bone graft at The Patient Marketplace.
How Does a Bone Graft Work for Dental Implants?
A bone graft is a procedure where a dentist or oral surgeon adds new bone material to your jaw to create a strong foundation for the implant.
Types of Bone Grafts for Implants:
✔ Autograft (Your Own Bone) – Taken from your jaw or another body part.
✔ Allograft (Donor Bone) – Human donor bone processed for safe use.
✔ Xenograft (Animal Bone, Usually Bovine) – Safe and commonly used.
✔ Synthetic Bone Graft (Artificial Material) – Biocompatible material.
It takes 3-6 months for the bone graft to fully heal before placing the implant.
➡ Find affordable bone grafting options at The Patient Marketplace.
How to Make Dental Implants & Bone Grafts Affordable
1. Use a Dental Membership Plan for Instant Discounts
A dental membership plan can reduce the cost of a dental implant and bone graft by 30-60%—without insurance.
Example Savings With a Membership Plan:
✅ Bone Graft: $1,200 → Membership plan covers 40% ($480), you pay $720
✅ Single Tooth Implant: $4,500 → Membership plan covers 40% ($1,800), you pay $2,700
✔ Low annual or monthly fee ($150-$400/year)
✔ Discounts on implants, bone grafts, exams, and X-rays
✔ No waiting periods, claim rejections, or hidden fees
➡ Find dentists offering membership plans at The Patient Marketplace.
2. Ask About Payment Plans & Financing
If you can’t afford to pay for an implant and bone graft upfront, many dentists offer monthly payment options to make treatment more manageable.
CareCredit & LendingClub – 0% financing available for qualified applicants
In-house payment plans – Monthly payments with no interest
Third-party lenders – Low-interest loans for dental procedures
Spreading payments over time can make implants more affordable.
➡ Find financing-friendly dentists on The Patient Marketplace.
3. Visit a Dental School for Discounted Bone Grafts & Implants
Dental schools offer implants and bone grafting at reduced costs because students perform the procedure under expert supervision.
✔ 50-70% lower cost than private dental offices
✔ High-quality materials and professional oversight
✔ May take longer than a standard dental visit, but offers major savings
Check accredited dental schools near you for affordable implant options.
4. Consider Mini Dental Implants If You Have Low Bone Volume
If you don’t want a bone graft, mini dental implants may be an alternative.
✔ Smaller than traditional implants
✔ Require less bone density
✔ Less invasive & faster healing
✔ Lower cost than full-size implants
Ask your dentist if mini implants are an option for you.
➡ Compare mini implant options at The Patient Marketplace.
Real Patient Story: How John Got a Dental Implant Without Paying Full Price
John, a 52-year-old engineer, needed a single dental implant but was told he didn’t have enough bone in his jaw. His dentist recommended a bone graft and implant, but the total cost was $5,800—more than he could afford.
Solution? He found an affordable dental provider through The Patient Marketplace, which offered:
✔ A membership plan with a 40% discount
✔ A financing plan with $199/month payments
✔ Original cost: $5,800
✔ Discounted cost with membership: $3,480
✔ Total savings: $2,320+
➡ Now, John has a strong, healthy implant without financial stress!
Like John, you can find affordable bone grafting and implants by choosing the right provider and membership plan!
Where to Find Affordable Dental Implants & Bone Grafts Near You
Need a dental implant but worried about bone loss and costs? The Patient Marketplace connects you with low-cost implant providers, membership plans, and financing options.
✅ Compare pricing & find trusted dentists
✅ Save 30-60% on your bone graft & dental implant
✅ Find flexible payment plans that fit your budget
➡ Click here to explore affordable dental implant options now!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Requirements for Dental Implants
Q: How much bone is needed for a dental implant?
You need at least 10 mm of height and 6 mm of width for a successful implant.
Q: What if I don’t have enough bone?
A bone graft can restore bone volume, making implants possible.
Q: What’s the best way to save money on an implant and bone graft?
✔ Use a dental membership plan (save 30-60%)
✔ Visit a dental school for discounted treatment
✔ Ask about financing or payment plans
