Bone Loss and Dental Implants
The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups
January 21, 2021The Benefits and Risks of Dental Implants
February 12, 2021Dental implants are simply artificial dental roots that are placed into the jaw onto which restorations, crowns, or dentures are placed. Dental implants are a permanent and effective solution for the missing teeth.
Many of us only know that teeth help us with aesthetics, smile and in grinding of food. Apart from these functions our teeth also help us in preventing loss of our jaw bone. You might have noticed that people with missing teeth have reduced jaw bones, especially if the teeth are missing for a long period.
Keep reading to learn more about bone loss and dental implants.
How our teeth protect against bone loss
Our teeth transfer masticatory forces to the underlying bone with the help of teeth gums fibers. The forces are stimuli for bone to function and maintain level. In absence of teeth, there is no distribution of force to the underlying bone, hence gradual atrophy of the underlying bone starts.
Therefore, it is important to have regular dental checkups. They help prevent tooth loss by early detection and management of dental decay.
Bone Loss and Dental Implants – How Dental Implants Work?
The greatest benefit which dental implants offer over the other restorations is that they help prevent bone loss by the distribution of forces to the underlying bone, working exactly in a similar manner to natural teeth.
It is the exclusive advantage that only the dental implants offer.
Are patients with bone loss eligible for dental implants?
Patients are concerned that if they have bone loss, they cannot have treatment with dental implants.
However, this is not true. There is a procedure called bone grafting that adds bone in the areas of deficient bone, which helps dentists put the dental implant into place.
Bone Grafts and Sinus Lifts
As discussed, previous bone grafts make it possible to place dental implants in areas of deficient bone. A sinus lift is the term that we use for a bone graft that we place in the top jaw so we have bone to place dental implants. In the sinus lift procedure, we surgically lift the sinus and place bone underneath for successful dental implant placement. This procedure has high success rates.
When Should I Have A Dental Implant Placed After I Lose A Tooth?
Ideally, you should begin the process of dental implant placement within 3 months of losing a tooth. This is long enough for the socket to heal properly post-extraction in case if the tooth is removed due to infection. Nowadays, same day dental implant options are also available to help you prevent risk of bone loss.
Don’t Let Bone Loss Stop You from Choosing the Best Dental Treatment – Schedule your appointment
If you are considering treatment with dental implants but you are unsure because you think that you have bone loss, don’t be discouraged. Please do not hesitate to call us today at 713-330-7700 or visit one of our 8 locations to see if you are a dental implant candidate.