For those dealing with tooth loss, considering dental implants is the crucial first step on your journey to restoring your smile. But, you may have heard something troubling about dental implants and bone loss. Understanding the connection is key to making an informed decision. In this article, we’ll into the details.
Understanding Dental Implants
Before we talk about bone loss, it’s important to understand what dental implants are. In the simplest terms, dental implants are artificial tooth roots, usually made of titanium. These are surgically attached to your jawbone and provide a sturdy base for attaching artificial teeth or crowns.
Procedure of Getting Dental Implants
- A consultation with your dentist, Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia or Dr. Raul Garcia, depending on factors such as your oral health and bone density.
- An implant placement surgery, wherein the man-made root is inserted into your jaw.
- A period of healing and osseointegration i.e., the implant integrates with your jawbone.
- After healing, a crown is attached to the implant, giving you a fresh, natural-looking tooth.
The Connection Between Dental Implants and Bone Loss
Now, onto the crux of the matter – the relationship between dental implants and bone loss. In most cases, dental implants actually help in preventing bone loss. But how? Let’s unravel this complex narrative.
The Roots of Bone Loss
When you lose a tooth, you lose more than just the visible part. You lose the root as well. The root stimulates the jawbone, and this stimulation is required for the health and vitality of your bone. So, when the root is lost, the jawbone no longer receives the necessary stimulation, leading to bone loss over time.
How Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss
Dental implants prevent bone loss by substituting the lost root. The titanium post integrates with your jawbone, mimicking the effect of a natural root. This provides the necessary stimulation, preventing further bone loss.
But, What if Bone Loss Has Already Happened?
What happens if you’ve already experienced significant bone loss? Will dental implants still be a viable option? Let’s find out.
Dental Implants and Existing Bone Loss
If you’ve unfortunately already encountered substantial bone loss, it might be challenging to proceed with dental implants without some additional procedures. That’s because dental implants require sufficient bone mass for stability and .
Bone Grafting: A Potential Solution
In cases of severe bone loss, bone grafting might be suggested. It’s a surgical process where new bone or bone-like material is added to your jawbone, reinstating the lost bone mass. This solid foundation allows successful implant placement.
Post-Surgical Bone Loss
There is, , an important point to remember. Even after successful implant placement, it’s still possible to experience bone loss. Let’s explore how this can occur and how it can be avoided.
Peri-Implantitis and Post-Surgical Bone Loss
Post-surgical bone loss could be a consequence of peri-implantitis. It’s an inflammatory disease that can cause gum inflammation and eventually bone loss around an implant. This could potentially threaten the stability of your implant.
Preventing Peri-Implantitis
Prevention is always better than cure. To prevent peri-implantitis, maintain good oral hygiene, refrain from smoking and ensure regular dental check-ups.