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dental implants with bone loss

Can Bone Loss in Your Jaw Prevent You From Getting Dental Implants? Here’s What You Need to Know

Are you considering getting dental implants but have been told you have bone loss in your jaw? Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth, but there are certain conditions that can prevent someone from getting them. Find out in this article if bone loss is one of those conditions and what other factors may play a role in whether or not you can get dental implants.

What is Bone Loss in the Jaw?

Bone loss in the jaw is a common condition that can occur due to a number of factors, including natural aging, tooth loss, and periodontal disease. When bone loss occurs in the jaw, it can cause the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Additionally, bone loss can make it difficult or impossible to place dental implants.

If you are considering dental implants, it is important to be aware of the potential for bone loss in the jaw. If you have already lost teeth or have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you may be at a higher risk for developing bone loss. However, even if you have healthy gums and teeth, you may still experience some degree of bone loss as you age.

Causes of Bone Loss

There are many possible causes of bone loss in the jaw, including:

1. Tooth loss: When teeth are missing, the roots that once held them in place are no longer present to stimulate and support the surrounding bone. Over time, this can lead to significant bone loss.

2. Periodontal disease: This chronic inflammatory condition destroys the supporting structures around teeth, including bone.

3. Osteoporosis: This condition leads to a decrease in bone density and strength, making bones more susceptible to fracture.

4. Trauma: A traumatic injury to the jawbone can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves, leading to bone loss.

5. Cancer: Cancerous tumors in the jawbone can destroy healthy tissue and lead to bone loss.

How Does Bone Loss Affect Dental Implants?

When patients lose bone in their jaw, it can have a significant impact on their ability to get dental implants. The reason for this is that the bone provides support and stability for the implant, and if there is not enough bone present, the implant may not be able to be placed successfully. In addition, if the bone loss is severe, it can also lead to changes in the shape of the jaw, which can further complicate the placement of dental implants.

If you are considering dental implants and have experienced some bone loss in your jaw, it is important to talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about whether or not you are a good candidate for this type of procedure. They will be able to assess your individual situation and let you know what options are available to you.

What Can Be Done to Treat or Manage Bone Loss in My Jaw Before Getting Dental Implants?

The first thing you should do if you’re concerned about bone loss in your jaw is to schedule an appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon. They will be able to evaluate the extent of the bone loss and recommend the best course of treatment.

In some cases, bone loss can be treated with medications or other therapies. For example, bisphosphonates are often prescribed to help increase bone density. In other cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

Once the underlying cause of the bone loss has been treated, you may be a candidate for dental implants. The success of dental implants depends on having enough healthy bone to support them. If your jawbone has been significantly damaged by bone loss, you may need a bone graft before getting dental implants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bone loss in your jaw can prevent you from getting dental implants. The best way to avoid this is to maintain good oral hygiene and regularly visit your dentist for check-ups so that any potential problems with your jaw can be detected early on.

Our team of professional Airdrie dentists could be consulted if you are considering getting dental implants as they will know the best course of action for treating any existing damage or preventing further damage from occurring.