Do you have a missing tooth that could be replaced with a dental implant, but have been told you’re not a good candidate for implants because of bone loss? Bone loss in the jaw is one of the most common reasons patients are told they may not qualify for dental implants, as implants need a stable foundation in the jaw to be successful. However, bone grafting can rebuild your jawbone, allowing you to restore function and aesthetics with a dental implant.
How Does Bone Loss in the Jaw Occur?
Jawbone loss develops after tooth loss, periodontal disease, trauma, or years of wearing dentures without underlying stimulation to the jaw.
Why Bone Loss Affects Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to fuse with your jawbone, creating a strong, permanent base for a replacement tooth. When the density or volume of your jawbone is insufficient, the implant may not have enough support to retain long-term stability.
How Bone Grafting Makes Dental Implants Possible
Bone grafting is a procedure to replace lost bone in your jaw, building it up so it’s strong enough to support a dental implant. Several types of grafting material can be used, including:
- Autogenous (your own bone)
- Allograft (human donor bone)
- Xenograft (animal bone)
- Alloplasts (synthetic bone)
The grafting material is placed in the area where bone has deteriorated, acting as a scaffold. As healing progresses over the next several months, the graft integrates with your natural bone, increasing both bone density and volume.
What This Means for Patients With Bone Loss in Their Jaw
Bone grafting significantly increases your ability to undergo successful dental implant treatment, even if you were previously told implants weren’t an option. Once your jawbone has healed and strengthened after the graft, dental implants can be placed just as they would be in patients with healthy bone from the start.
Don’t Let Bone Loss Affect Your Smile
Bone loss in your jaw doesn’t automatically rule out getting dental implants. With the addition of bone grafting, you can achieve the long-lasting and natural-looking tooth replacement you desire. To determine whether bone grafting can help make dental implants possible for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist today.
