Infection, previous surgery, and natural changes to the jaw can reduce the bone available for dental implants. Regenerating bone may be essential to add strength, alternatively it may be offered as an option to improve appearance. It is possible to regenerate new bone in most cases so that implants can be placed in nearly all patients.
Bone substitutes are used if a small amount of bone is required. They are granules that act as a scaffold for new bone and over time they may be broken down and replaced by your own bone. They are usually placed at the same time as your implant.
If a larger amount of bone is required I may recommend a bone graft. This is a surgical procedure to transfer bone to the position of the proposed implant, usually from your lower jaw.