One of the most important things that holds a dental implant in place is the bone. The bone is drilled into before an implant is placed. The bone will then move and situate onto the implant, holding it in place. That is why a dental crown is not placed during the same visit as a dental implant. If you chewed on a dental crown secured by an implant shortly after surgery, the implant would come out and you would probably scrape some bone out with it. The bone will mold with the outside of the implant and secure it in place over time.
As the most essential structure holding in the implant, doctors usually need a good amount to secure a successful implant. Without enough bone structure, the implant would loosen from the bone due to pressure on the implant and eventually come out completely. If you do have bone loss or very little bone structure, it may be a possibility that you would not be a good candidate for that type of procedure. The best thing to do is to get a dental implant consultation and speak with a specialist regarding your bone and the likelihood of a successful dental implant procedure. When dealing with the lower jaw, the bone present is usually all there is to work with, but bone grafting could be an option for limited cases. On the upper jaw, there may be a possibility to add more bone for an implant with a procedure call a sinus lift. This is a procedure that is done to have the ability to add more bone to place a dental implant.
If you are looking to have a dental implant placed, you can get a consultation in Phoenix, Arizona. Consultations are no obligation, but it is always good to get a professional opinion for the best treatment for your mouth.