Many patients believe that past bone loss closes the door to getting dental implants in the future. Luckily, this isn’t true – while bone is crucial for implant stability, in many cases there’s a solution to restore the all-important structure you’ll need.
So, if you’ve experienced tooth loss coupled with bone loss, it’s probably easier to get help than you think. Options such as bone grafting, ridge augmentation or sinus lifts can “reset” your suitability.
Why bone matters
A strong jawbone forms the foundation for dental implants – it’s essentially the base of the structure we’ll build. Implants are such a good solution for tooth loss because they’re permanently fixed into place, becoming another part of your dental ecosystem. To do this, a titanium screw is placed into the jaw, and the final tooth is fitted on top.
But before this can be done, a process called osseointegration needs to take place. This is when the biocompatible implant naturally fuses with the bone, becoming an extension of what’s already there. If you don’t have enough bone to support this process, the implant can fail to integrate; becoming loose, moving, and potentially causing discomfort.
Common reasons for bone loss
Your dental history can often hold the key. If you’ve experienced tooth loss due to disease, tumour or trauma – such as an accident or sports injury – you may have lost bone from your jaw. Delaying the replacement of a missing tooth can also lead to loss, as the structure is no longer upheld by regular chewing.
If you’d like to get a dental implant but you’re not sure about your bone structure, do make an appointment to see us. Before beginning, we’ll assess your current suitability by carrying out an X-ray of your jaw, using a CBCT scanner.
This advanced technology allows us to view 3D images of your dental structures, soft tissue, and nerve pathways with one scan. Doing this will tell us if there’s enough existing bone to anchor an implant, or if we’ll need to look at other solutions before we begin.
Overcoming bone loss ahead of an implant
Modern dentistry gives us various options for restoring the bone structure in your jaw. This means that bone loss needn’t be permanent, or prevent you enjoying the benefits of future dental work.
Bone grafting is a popular technique, which effectively jump-starts the creation of new bone structure. To do this, synthetic biomaterials are placed into the jaw through a small incision, and left to develop naturally for around three months. This takes time, but when it’s complete, the bone will be healthy enough to accept a long-lasting dental implant.
Ridge augmentation is a type of bone graft that allows us to restore your alveolar ridge: the specific part of your jawbone that holds your teeth. By adding bone graft material, we can rebuild your jawbone to achieve its original shape, width and height, resulting in a smooth and natural gum line.
If your missing tooth was located in your upper-back jaw, bone loss can also cause your sinus to shift into the vacated space. Before placing an implant, we’d then need to move the sinus back into place and keep it in position with bone graft material; a process known as a sinus lift.
An in-house team of experts
At the Bristol Dental Practice, we’re able to offer both implant surgery and bone grafts in-house, meaning you won’t need to worry about being referred elsewhere. From your first consultation to follow-up procedures, you’ll be in the hands of our highly skilled team.
Our Principal Dentist, Dr Jonathan Cochrane, is a specialist in oral surgery and dental implants. He leads a team of dentists with shared experience in treating complex cases; so that our patients can always feel they’re in safe hands. For added reassurance, we also offer optional sedation to nervous patients, removing any past barriers to treatment.
Dental implants after bone loss
Despite what you may have heard, bone loss doesn’t have to be the end of the story. With advanced techniques, we can rebuild your foundation and create the chance to enjoy the comfort and confidence that dental implants bring.
Every case is unique, so we always recommend beginning with a professional consultation – this allows us to talk through your options and create a treatment plan tailored to you.