If a patient has been missing his or her natural teeth for some time, a substantial amount of bone resorption is likely. This lack of bone makes placing endosseous dental implants a challenge. Typically, bone-grafting techniques have been used to address this problem; however, bone-grafting techniques require two surgical procedures, are time consuming and costly for the patient. Although bone-grafts are still available and widely used, a bone condenser can eliminate the need for a bone-grafting procedure before implant placement.
Instead of using a bone-grafting technique to address narrow ridges, an osteotome can be used to condense and expand the alveolar bone. The osteotome is designed to cut and/or prepare bone. This surgical instrument is similar to a chisel; however, it is beveled on both sides. This repositioning and remodeling of the alveolar bone allows the surgeon to securely screw the implant into the jaw joint. The bone condenser is also the tool used while performing an internal sinus lift.