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If you have one or several missing teeth, implant surgery can be the procedure you need. Unlike dentures or bridgework, dental implants offer unparalleled stability, custom-made aesthetics, and a long-lasting solution for missing teeth that prevents jawbone density loss.
Sadly, not every patient can benefit from this procedure. The condition of your jawbone plays a big role in the viability of a dental implant surgery and may increase the risk of implant failure. In this article, we’ll explain why that is while exploring some ways to stabilize the jawbone and make implants a plausible option for you.
Dental implants are one of the most effective types of restorative dentistry, and they allow patients with one or several missing teeth to recover their smiles.
The success of dental implant surgery lies in its heightened stability, provided by metal, screwlike posts inserted into the jawbone to serve as substitute tooth roots. Above the implant post, a custom-made dental crown is placed.
This allows the artificial teeth to look and function much like real ones.
Because of that, dental implants offer an attractive alternative to dentures or bridgework that doesn't fit well, all while protecting and fostering the health of your jawbone.
A not-so-well-known fact about missing teeth is that it inevitably leads to bone loss.
The roots of your teeth do more than just keep them in place; they also stimulate and strengthen your jawbone. When you lose a tooth, your jaw loses access to the root's constant nourishment and begins to recede.
This process is relatively quick—the American Academy of Implant Dentistry reports that 25% of bone loss occurs within the first three months of missing teeth and 50% within the first six months.
Other common causes of jawbone loss are bad oral hygiene, gum disease, tooth decay, damaging habits like smoking, and other illnesses like osteoporosis.
Even if you’re experiencing jawbone loss, you won’t feel it happening. However, certain changes in your face can be significant indicators. Bone loss can cause a significant increase in facial wrinkles, particularly around the mouth. It also causes the cheekbones to collapse inward.
It's not just the bone surrounding your empty socket that is affected, though. The adjacent teeth will become more susceptible to decay and gum disease because when there is less bone, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth. This causes the formation of pockets that harbor food particles and bacteria.
Other consequences of missing teeth are:
As we mentioned, dental implants can be the solution you need to put a stop to jawbone loss and protect your overall dental health. Nevertheless, the plausibility of a dental implant is highly dependent on your current bone dentistry, too.
After the implant surgery, an important process called osseointegration must take place.
Osseointegration is a process in dental implant placement in which the implant post or screw integrates with the bone. During this process, bone cells grow and adhere to the implant's surface, forming a strong and stable connection.
Compared to other tooth replacement options that do not have this direct bone connection, implants offer more strength and durability. Unlike dentures or fixed dental bridges, implants will not slip, creak, or break the bone.
To achieve this solid foundation, the dentist will use titanium —a biocompatible substance that is not harmful to the body, can withstand rust from bodily fluids, and can osseointegrate.
However, the osseointegration process cannot occur in patients with poor bone quality and insufficient bone volume, making dental implant failure rates higher in patients under those circumstances.
That is why, in order to assess whether this procedure is viable, dentists must measure the patient's bone density prior to placement.
Yes, even if you have jawbone loss, dental implants are still possible. While dental implants need a specific level of stability and bone density to be placed, a bone grafting procedure can provide the bone structure required for them.
Bone grafting is a surgical technique that replaces diseased or damaged bones with transplanted bone. The alternative source of bone can be derived from your own body, from another individual, or from two naturally occurring minerals: hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate.
These bone grafts can help rebuild the strength of your jawbone in preparation for an implant procedure by acting as a scaffold for the development of new, living bone.
For many, bone loss is an unpleasant reality. It occurs when the bone and gums around the teeth begin to recede. Fortunately, tooth loss can be slowed down in a number of ways.
Consistent dental hygiene is the best defense against bone loss. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using fluoridated toothpaste and clean between them with dental floss or interdental brushes.
It is also critical to schedule routine dental exams every six months as part of your oral health regimen. Your dentist will brush your teeth and remove any solidified plaque and tartar. They will also evaluate your oral health, spot any issues, and take care of them before they worsen.
Your body does not produce new bone if it is not under pressure and stimulation from chewing and other movements. For this reason, it is critical to have any lost teeth replaced as soon as possible. Here at Black Bear Dentistry, we can offer real solutions for tooth replacement that help foster your jawbone health.
Besides having your teeth replaced as soon as possible, you can preserve the strength of your jaw bones by practicing good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and seeing our dental office frequently. So, reach out and set up an appointment with us!
