Can You Get Dental Implants With Bone Loss?
Dental implants have become a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth, but a common concern for many patients is whether implants can still be placed if they have bone loss. Can you get dental implants with bone loss? Yes, you can! New processes and new implants are allowing people with even severe bone loss to benefit from dental implants.
Understanding Dental Implants and Bone Loss
Dental implants are a replacement for the roots of teeth, usually made of titanium, or other biocompatible materials. For implants to be effective, there needs to be enough healthy bone to anchor them securely. When there is not enough bone for the implant to be completely encased, the implants may not fuse to the bone and can be exposed to the bacteria in the mouth. This can result in implant failure.
When bone loss occurs—often due to tooth loss, periodontal disease, or conditions like osteoporosis—it reduces the available bone for an implant. This makes placement more complex. However, modern dental procedures offer solutions that make implants possible even in these challenging cases.
How Bone Loss Affects Dental Implant Placement
Bone loss in the jaw typically happens when teeth have been missing for some time, as the bone starts to resorb or shrink in the absence of tooth roots. Infections can also cause significant bone loss. The longer this goes unaddressed, the more the jawbone deteriorates. This can make the traditional implant process difficult, as there may not be enough bone to support the implant post. However, patients with bone loss are not without options.
Options for Dental Implants with Bone Loss
Thanks to advances in dental techniques, bone loss doesn’t automatically disqualify someone from receiving dental implants. There are a few approaches that can help ensure implant success, even in patients with diminished bone volume.
Bone grafting is one of the most common procedures to address bone loss, but is typically not needed if you are receiving treatment from a Specialist team. This involves adding bone material to the affected area to create a more stable foundation for implants. The graft material, which can come from your own body, a donor, or be synthetic, integrates with your natural bone over several months. This rebuilds the jaw and makes implant placement possible. With the advances at Dental Implants GPS, we rarely need to do bone grafting procedures. If bone is needed, it is placed when the implants are placed.
For patients who have significant bone loss but want a full-arch dental implant solution, zygomatic implants may be a better option. Instead of relying on the jawbone, zygomatic implants are anchored in the cheekbone (zygoma), which offers a denser and more reliable foundation. This technique bypasses the need for bone grafts in the upper jaw, making it an effective solution for patients who may not be candidates for traditional implants.
Another technique, known as Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR), can encourage the growth of new bone at the implant site using special membranes. These membranes protect the bone graft as it heals, promoting natural bone regrowth in the treated area.
For upper jaw implants, a sinus lift procedure may be a consideration for your implant specialist. This procedure raises the sinus floor to create more space for a bone graft, allowing for implant placement.
Important Considerations Before Getting Implants
Before proceeding with dental implants, it’s essential to undergo a comprehensive evaluation. Dental Implants GPS will assess your oral health, review any bone loss, and determine the best approach. This typically includes using advanced imaging techniques, such as 3D scans, to get a complete picture of your bone structure. It’s also important to address any existing health conditions that may impact healing, such as diabetes or smoking, to improve the likelihood of a successful implant procedure.
Regain Your Smile with Dental Implants GPS
With the right approach, dental implants are possible even in cases of significant bone deterioration. If you’ve been told you can’t get implants due to bone loss, reach out to us at Dental Implants GPS. We have the expertise, technology, and care needed to deliver exceptional results, regardless of your situation. Request an appointment today and explore your options for a confident and brighter smile.