Implants
Bone density
Bone density is a measure of how much mineral and solid bone is packed into a given area, and in the jaw it affects how well implants can anchor.
Dense bone is firm and holds a dental implant well. Thin or soft bone gives less support. The jawbone can lose volume and density after tooth loss, with gum disease, or with some health conditions and medicines. Cleveland Clinic says a dental bone graft is a type of oral surgery that increases the volume and density of your jaw. Dentists check bone with X-rays or a cone beam CT scan. If density is low, a bone graft may add support before an implant. See alveolar bone and our bone grafting page.