PTES
Both paths exist to solve the same problem — not enough bone for an implant. But they differ in pain, time, number of surgeries, and predictability. See the comparison to understand which conversation makes sense to have with your surgeon.
I want an evaluationHead-to-Head Comparison
Before comparing numbers, it helps to understand the principle behind each approach. Bone grafting tries to recreate the bone that was lost, so that a conventional implant can later be placed at the site. The patient-specific titanium plate flips the logic: instead of recreating bone, it is custom-designed to work with the bone that still exists.
| Criterion | Bone graft | Patient-specific plate |
|---|---|---|
| Number of surgeries | Usually 2 or more | Often 1 |
| Total treatment time | 6 to 12 months | Weeks to a few months |
| Waiting for bone consolidation | Yes, 4 to 9 months | Not applicable |
| Advance planning | Clinical, with no 3D simulation of the final result | Digital plan approved before surgery |
| Indicated for severe bone loss | Limited, may not be enough | Yes, including cases turned away by other clinics |
| Material | Bone from the patient, a bank, or synthetic | Grade 5 titanium, biocompatible |
This table is a general reference. Every case is unique — the final decision always belongs to the surgeon, after evaluating your CT scan.
Small, well-localized bone loss, in patients with good healing conditions and no urgency to complete treatment, is often resolved with a simple graft followed by a conventional implant. It is a well-established and widely studied technique.
In cases of extensive bone loss, severe atrophy of the maxilla or mandible, sequelae of trauma or tumor, or when the patient has already been told by another professional that "there is no solution," the patient-specific plate often opens doors that traditional grafting cannot — precisely because it does not depend on recreating bone volume, but on adapting to what exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grafting involves an additional surgery, which usually means more discomfort and a longer recovery. The patient-specific plate eliminates that stage in most cases.
Traditional grafting usually requires at least two surgeries. With the patient-specific plate, many cases are resolved in a single placement surgery.
Not necessarily. Small losses are sometimes well resolved with a simple graft. Cases of severe loss usually benefit more from the patient-specific plate. A surgeon's evaluation is essential.
The patient-specific plate is digitally planned and approved before surgery, reducing surprises. Grafting depends on the patient's biological response, which can vary.
Fill out the referral form and our team will connect you with a certified surgeon near you, at no cost.