Medically Reviewed by Dr. Edwin Porter, DDS, DICOI, FAGD on July 31, 2026
Low jawbone density does not rule out dental implants. With options like bone grafting or strategic implant placement, most patients with reduced bone volume can still qualify for a stable, long-lasting implant-supported smile.
When you have one or more missing teeth, replacing them with dental implants in Charlotte, NC sooner rather than later helps prevent further bone loss. At a skilled and experienced dental office, even patients who already have low jawbone density can still get treated with dental implants. Here is how.
What Causes Low Jawbone Density?
Jawbone density typically declines after tooth loss because the bone no longer receives the stimulation it once got from a natural tooth root. The longer teeth remain missing, the more the surrounding bone can shrink, a process called resorption. Long-term denture wear and untreated gum disease can also contribute to bone loss over time, which is why addressing missing teeth promptly matters for your future implant options.
How Can I Get Treated With Dental Implants If I Have Low Jawbone Density?
Patients with low jawbone density can often still be treated with dental implants through a technique known as bone grafting. A bone grafting procedure involves the dental office placing bone graft material onto the areas of your jawbone with low density. The graft material fuses with your existing bone through osseointegration, creating a more solid base for the implant post.
3D Imaging and Evaluation
CBCT imaging measures your existing bone volume and density.
Bone Grafting
Graft material is placed in areas with low density to rebuild a stable base.
Healing and Integration
The graft fuses with existing bone before the implant post is placed.
Implant Placement
Once the site has healed, the implant post is placed into the rebuilt bone.
What Are My Bone Grafting Options?
Not all bone grafts are the same. Your dentist will recommend the type that best matches how much bone you need to rebuild and where:
| Graft Type | Source | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Autograft | Bone from your own body | Larger areas of bone loss |
| Allograft | Processed donor bone tissue | Moderate rebuilding needs |
| Xenograft | Processed animal-derived material | Smaller grafting sites |
A large-scale review of dental implant outcomes published in the National Library of Medicine found that implants placed with bone grafting achieve clinical success rates statistically comparable to implants placed in native bone, with autografts showing the highest combined implant and graft success among the options studied. In other words, needing a graft does not mean a less predictable outcome.
What if I Am Missing Only a Small Amount of Jawbone Density?
If you are missing just a small amount of jawbone density, your dentist may be able to strategically place the implant post at the angle and depth in your jaw where there is enough bone to support it, without a separate grafting procedure. Whether you need bone grafting or precise implant placement, a dedicated dental office can help you get the dental implants you need to transform your smile.
Once the implant post is precisely placed in your jawbone and fuses with it, the implant becomes a permanent part of your smile. It also stimulates your jawbone, much like a natural tooth root, keeping it dense and healthy so it can support your new smile for years to come.
Why Jawbone Density Matters Long Term
97.8%
clinical success rate for implants placed with bone grafting*
96.4%
implant and graft survival with autograft material*
3–6 mo.
typical graft and implant healing timeline
*Based on a large-scale retrospective analysis of dental implants placed with bone grafting, published in the National Library of Medicine.
When you come to our office, we give you a state-of-the-art dental implant procedure. Even with low jawbone density, we use current techniques and technology to help you get treated with quality dental implants that are designed to last.
Don’t wait to improve your smile. Get in contact with our doctor, Dr. Edwin Porter, DDS, DICOI, FAGD, and our exceptional team at our office by Charlotte, NC to schedule your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants and Low Jawbone Density
Can I get dental implants if I have low jawbone density?
In most cases, yes. Bone grafting can rebuild the density needed to support an implant, and in cases of minor bone loss, your dentist may be able to place the implant at a strategic angle without grafting at all.
How long does bone grafting take to heal before implant placement?
Healing time varies based on the size of the graft, but most patients wait a few months for the graft material to fuse with existing bone before the implant post is placed.
Does bone grafting make dental implants less reliable?
No. Research shows implants placed with bone grafting achieve success rates comparable to implants placed in native bone, so a grafting step does not make the outcome less predictable.
What causes jawbone density to decrease?
Jawbone density typically decreases after tooth loss because the bone no longer receives stimulation from a tooth root. Long-term denture wear and untreated gum disease can also contribute to bone loss.
Is bone grafting painful?
Bone grafting is performed with local anesthesia, and most patients manage any post-procedure discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief during the initial healing period.
About the Author
Dr. Edwin Porter, DDS, DICOI, FAGD
Charlotte Dental Arts
Dr. Edwin Porter has been recognized as a Top Dentist in Charlotte for over 20 years. He is a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (DICOI) and a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), placing and restoring dental implants entirely in-house for patients throughout the Charlotte, NC area.
