Dental implants are one of the best long-term solutions for missing teeth. However, many implant cases fail — not because implants are bad — but because planning was poor.

Two major causes of failure in the Philippines:

1. Skipping bone graft when needed

2. Underestimating the total financial investment

This article explains the difference between bone graft vs no graft, and why many Filipino patients experience implant complications.

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Understanding Bone Loss After Tooth Extraction

When a tooth is removed, the jawbone begins to shrink.

• 3–6 months: noticeable bone reduction

• 1 year: significant horizontal bone loss

• 3–5 years: severe shrinkage

Without adequate bone, an implant cannot properly integrate.

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What Is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a procedure where bone material is added to rebuild lost jawbone before placing an implant.

Types of Bone Grafts

• Autograft (patient's own bone)

• Allograft (human donor bone)

• Xenograft (animal-derived bone)

• Synthetic graft materials

Purpose:

• Restore bone volume

• Improve implant stability

• Prevent long-term failure

 

Implant Without Bone Graft: When Is It Possible?

Implants can be placed without graft if:

• Tooth was recently extracted

• Bone height and width are sufficient

• No infection present

• Patient has good oral hygiene

However, skipping graft when bone is insufficient leads to:

• Poor primary stability

• Peri-implantitis

• Early implant failure

• Bone resorption around implant threads

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Bone Graft vs No Graft: Clinical Comparison

Factor	With Bone Graft	Without Graft (When Needed)
Stability	High	Low
Long-Term Success	15–25 years	2–5 years risk
Initial Cost	Higher	Lower
Long-Term Cost	Lower	Higher (redo surgery)
Risk of Failure	Low	High

Many patients choose the cheaper initial option — but pay more later.

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Why Many Filipino Implant Cases Fail

1. Budget-Based Decision Instead of Diagnosis-Based

In the Philippines, treatment decisions are often based on:

• “Magkano lahat?”

• “Pwede ba hindi na mag bone graft?”

• “Discount?”

Skipping essential procedures reduces long-term success.

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2. Delayed Treatment

Many patients wait:

• 5–10 years after extraction

• Wear removable dentures for long periods

• Ignore progressive bone shrinkage

By the time they want implants, bone is severely compromised.

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3. Lack of CBCT Planning

Advanced implant planning requires 3D imaging (CBCT).

Without proper imaging:

• Implant placed in thin bone

• Wrong angulation

• Sinus perforation (upper jaw cases)

Poor planning = predictable failure.

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4. Maintenance Neglect

Implants require:

• Regular cleaning

• Professional maintenance

• Periodic X-ray evaluation

Some patients assume:

“Implant na yan, permanent na.”

Implants can fail due to poor hygiene.

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Financial Reality: The Hidden Cost of “Cheaper” Implants

Initial Savings:

• No graft

• Basic implant brand

• No 3D planning

Long-Term Cost:

• Implant removal

• Bone reconstruction

• Second surgery

• More time off work

A failed implant costs 2–3x more than proper planning from the start.

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Psychological Factor: The “Quick Fix” Mentality

Many patients want:

• Fast results

• Cheapest option

• Minimal surgery

But implants are not cosmetic fillers.
They are surgical procedures requiring structural foundation.

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When Bone Grafting Is Absolutely Necessary

Bone graft is recommended if:

• Bone width < 5mm

• Bone height insufficient

• Long-term denture use

• Severe periodontal disease history

• Trauma cases

Skipping graft in these cases = high failure risk.

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When You Can Avoid Bone Graft

• Immediate implant after extraction

• Preserved socket bone

• Young patients with thick bone

• No history of gum disease

Proper evaluation determines this — not budget preference.

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The Truth: Implant Failure Is Often a Planning Failure

Most implant failures are not due to:

• Bad implant brand

• “Mahina katawan”

• Genetics

They are due to:

• Poor case selection

• Financial compromise

• Lack of proper imaging

• Incomplete treatment plan

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Strategic Advice for Filipino Patients

1. Always request 3D imaging evaluation.

2. Ask your dentist about bone thickness measurement.

3. Understand full treatment cost before starting.

4. Plan financially — not emotionally.

5. Choose long-term success over short-term savings.

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Final Message

Dental implants are not expensive.

Redoing failed implants is expensive.

Bone grafting may increase initial cost —
but it protects your long-term investment.

Good planning + Proper budgeting = Implant success

 

 

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