Researchers studied 15 people who received dental implants to see how their jaw bone changed over five months of normal chewing. Using special 3D imaging, they found that the bone around implants got slightly thinner, especially in the upper back jaw. However, people’s chewing ability improved significantly—they could chew about 15% more efficiently after getting implants. The study shows that different areas of the jaw respond differently to implants, with the lower jaw being more stable than the upper jaw. This information helps dentists predict which patients might need extra care when placing implants.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether the hard outer layer of jaw bone (cortical bone) gets thicker or thinner after dental implant surgery, and how this relates to normal chewing
  • Who participated: 15 patients who each received 2 dental implants in different locations—some in the upper jaw and some in the lower jaw. The implants were placed in both front and back areas
  • Key finding: The hard outer bone around implants became slightly thinner over 5 months, but chewing ability improved by about 15%. The upper back jaw lost more bone than other areas, while the lower back jaw stayed most stable
  • What it means for you: If you’re considering dental implants, this research suggests your jaw bone will adapt to the implant, and your chewing will actually get better. However, dentists should pay special attention to upper back jaw implants, as they may need extra monitoring or support

The Research Details

This was a clinical research study where dentists carefully tracked what happened to patients’ jaw bones after getting dental implants. Each patient received two implants in different locations (upper or lower jaw, front or back). The researchers took detailed 3D images of the jaw bone before surgery and again 5 months later using a special scanner called CBCT (similar to a CT scan but focused on teeth and jaw). They measured the thickness of the hard outer bone layer at three different spots around each implant. They also tested how well patients could chew by having them eat different foods like carrots, bread, and chicken, then measuring how finely they could break down the food.

The study divided patients into four groups based on implant location: front upper jaw (4 patients), back upper jaw (10 patients), front lower jaw (6 patients), and back lower jaw (10 patients). This unequal distribution is important to understand because it means some groups were smaller and may be less reliable.

The researchers used statistical tests to determine if the changes in bone thickness were real and not just due to chance. They set a confidence level of 95%, meaning they were 95% sure their findings were accurate.

Understanding how jaw bone responds to implants helps dentists predict problems before they happen. By identifying which areas of the jaw are most likely to lose bone thickness, dentists can plan better surgical techniques or provide extra support where needed. This study used the most advanced imaging available (CBCT), which is much more precise than older X-ray methods, so the measurements are very accurate

Strengths: The study used precise 3D imaging technology and measured bone thickness at multiple locations around each implant. The results were statistically significant at a 95% confidence level. Weaknesses: The sample size was small (only 15 patients), and the groups were unequal in size, which makes it harder to apply the findings to everyone. The study only followed patients for 5 months, so we don’t know what happens over longer periods. The study was published in 2026, which is very recent, but the journal’s impact factor wasn’t provided

What the Results Show

Five months after implant placement, the hard outer layer of bone (cortical bone) became measurably thinner at all measurement sites. This thinning was statistically significant, meaning it was a real change and not due to chance. The amount of thinning varied depending on where the implant was located.

The upper jaw showed more bone loss than the lower jaw. In the upper jaw, the bone thickness after 5 months was about 0.60 mm (roughly the thickness of a credit card). In the lower jaw, it was about 1.30 mm—more than twice as thick. The back of the upper jaw (Group 2) experienced the most bone loss, while the back of the lower jaw (Group 4) was the most stable.

Despite the bone thinning, patients’ chewing ability improved dramatically. Before implants, patients could chew with about 45% efficiency. After 5 months, this improved to about 60% efficiency—a 15% improvement. The actual chewing force increased slightly, from an average of 212 Newtons to 216 Newtons (about a 4 Newton increase).

When researchers looked at different areas around each implant, they found that the bone on the cheek side (buccal) was thinner than the bone on the tongue side (lingual) and the tip side (apical). This pattern was consistent before and after implant placement.

The study found that bone thickness varied significantly depending on the direction measured around the implant. The cheek-side bone was consistently the thinnest area, which is important because this is the area most visible when you smile. The tongue-side bone was thicker, and the tip-side bone was in between. This pattern held true for both the upper and lower jaw. The research also confirmed that the lower jaw has naturally thicker cortical bone than the upper jaw, both before and after implant placement. This natural difference may explain why the lower jaw is more stable after implant surgery

This study builds on previous research showing that jaw bone does remodel (change shape and thickness) after implant placement. However, this is one of the first studies to precisely measure these changes using advanced 3D imaging (CBCT) and to specifically track how natural chewing forces affect bone thickness. Previous studies suggested bone loss happens, but this research provides exact measurements at specific locations. The finding that chewing ability improves despite bone thinning is encouraging and suggests that some bone loss is a normal, healthy adaptation rather than a sign of implant failure

The study had several important limitations. First, only 15 patients participated, which is a small number. Second, the groups were unequal—the back upper jaw group had 10 patients while the front upper jaw group had only 4 patients. This makes it harder to trust the results for the smaller groups. Third, the study only followed patients for 5 months. We don’t know if bone continues to thin after this point or if it stabilizes. Fourth, the study didn’t include information about patient age, bone quality, or other health factors that might affect results. Finally, the study measured bone thickness at only three locations around each implant, so there might be changes in other areas that weren’t detected

The Bottom Line

If you’re considering dental implants: (1) Expect some bone thinning around the implant over the first 5 months—this appears to be a normal adaptation process. (2) Your chewing ability should improve significantly within 5 months. (3) If your dentist recommends placing an implant in the back upper jaw, ask about extra monitoring or support, as this area shows the most bone changes. (4) Regular follow-up appointments with your dentist are important to monitor how your jaw is adapting. Confidence level: Moderate—this is based on a small study, but the findings are statistically significant

This research is most relevant for: Adults considering dental implants, especially those needing back upper jaw implants. Dentists and oral surgeons planning implant placement. People who want to understand what to expect after implant surgery. This research may be less relevant for: People with severe bone loss who may need bone grafting before implants. People with certain medical conditions affecting bone health. Those seeking information about implant success rates beyond 5 months

Based on this study: Chewing ability should improve noticeably within the first 5 months after implant placement. Bone adaptation happens gradually during this 5-month period. Long-term stability (beyond 5 months) is unknown from this study. Most patients report feeling comfortable with their implants within 3-6 months

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track chewing efficiency by rating your ability to chew different foods (soft, medium, hard) on a scale of 1-10 weekly for the first 5 months after implant placement. Also note any discomfort or changes in the implant area
  • Use the app to set reminders for: (1) Gentle chewing exercises with soft foods during weeks 1-4, progressing to normal foods by week 8-12. (2) Regular dental check-up appointments, especially if you have an upper back jaw implant. (3) Daily oral hygiene routines to protect the implant area
  • Create a 5-month tracking dashboard showing: Weekly chewing ability ratings, appointment dates and notes from your dentist, any pain or swelling observations, and progression of food types you can comfortably eat. Share this data with your dentist at follow-up visits to monitor your individual healing pattern

This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional dental advice. The study involved only 15 patients over 5 months, so individual results may vary significantly. Bone changes around implants can be influenced by many factors including age, overall health, bone quality, smoking status, and oral hygiene—none of which were detailed in this study. If you’re considering dental implants or have concerns about existing implants, consult with a qualified dentist or oral surgeon who can evaluate your specific situation. This research does not provide information about implant success rates, long-term outcomes beyond 5 months, or whether bone thinning affects implant longevity. Always follow your dentist’s specific recommendations for your individual case.