Endosteal implant

How Bone Loss Impacts Dental Implants

Strong bone density is essential for your facial structure to remain strong because when your bone becomes weak, this can break down your teeth.

For patients to be considered for a dental implant, bone density needs to be strong enough to withhold the implant for as long as possible. Bone cannot stay strong without the right nutrients and minerals because eventually, the implant will fall out of its socket.

Bone graft treatment

Risks of Bone Loss

Bone density becomes even more important if you’re missing a tooth. Once a tooth becomes absent from your jawbone, the bone that surrounds the area of the gap will eventually get weaker over time. This is the process of osteoporosis.

It is recommended that if you’re seeking implant treatment, treatment is performed as soon as the tooth falls out. This is because:

  • It preserves the strength of the bone
  • Reduces the number of complications and treatments
  • A higher chance of your implant staying in place

The implant is infused in the jawbone with a titanium screw before a crown is placed on top to complete the treatment. Weak bones can become significantly problematic if you’re seeking implant treatment at least one year after your tooth is extracted. The dentist may even recommend bone grafting to place more bone within the gap to increase the chances of an implant. In either case, the gap should be filled to avoid your facial structure becoming weaker.

Repair The Bone With Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is a dentistry technique where bone is taken from elsewhere in the body to replace the weak or missing bone within the jaw. It will take several months for the transplanted bone to grow enough in strength to support the implant.

Once the jawbone begins to heal, implant treatment can begin, and it’s more likely that the bone will be strong enough for the implant to be infused. The abutment is then placed after the bone heals, before applying the crown on top.

Aftercare From Bone Grafting and Dental Implants

You may experience some discomfort once bone grafting treatment is complete. This is also the case of dental implants. Along with discomfort, you may experience gum swelling or small bruising. It will take a few days to heal itself.

Dental implant

After the implant is placed, it is recommended that you consume a softer diet comprising boiled vegetables, soup, eggs and soft fruits. It is also recommended that as part of your softer diet that you consume these foods to absorb calcium, phosphate and vitamin D. These minerals are what your bone needs to stay strong for longer. You can then enjoy a stronger fitted implant. Although, one thing to be aware of is that implants aren’t designed to fit permanently, but you can enjoy your fitted implant for a longer than you originally thought. Check out this post to learn more about dental implants being a permanent solution.

Are you seeking oral advice for dental implants? Contact our experienced dentists at Garran Dental today. Alternatively, check yourself in for an appointment with us.

Share: