How much lingual bone is typically required around an implant?

In the context of implant dentistry, adequate lingual bone thickness is crucial for the stability and success of an implant. The general consensus in the literature indicates that a minimum of 1 mm of lingual bone is needed to provide proper support around the implant. This thickness ensures adequate vascularization and biomechanical stability, reducing the risk of bone resorption and other complications associated with insufficient bone.

Having around 1 mm of lingual bone allows for enough peri-implant bone to resist loading and maintain the health of the implant site. It also serves as a buffer against potential horizontal and vertical movements that can occur during the functional loading of the implant.

While options indicating less than 1 mm may seem insufficient due to the risks of exposure and failure, higher values like 2 mm or more can be beneficial but are often not considered a minimum requirement for immediate implant placement in healthy, quality bone. However, overstating the necessary amount of bone can lead to unnecessary bone grafting procedures, thus increasing patient morbidity and cost without significant advantages in outcomes.