Why Bone Health Is Critical for Dental Implants

Dental implants could be the right option if you are looking for a long-term, effective way to replace your missing teeth. Dental implants integrate with the jawbone to support replacement teeth, meaning you need bone health for this system to work. Dental implants preserve the shape and strength of the mouth, encourage bone growth, and prevent bone loss.

An overview of dental implants

Surgically placed into the jawbone, implants are artificial, biocompatible substitutes for natural tooth roots. They are the base of the artificial teeth, which can be dentures, bridges, or crowns. Once in the jawbone, the implant will begin the healing process by fusing with the surrounding bone.

This fusion offers the same level of stability and longevity comparable to real teeth. After the implant has integrated with the jawbone, abutments are attached to the implant's head to hold the replacement tooth.

The effect of jawbone health on dental implants

Dental implants have a significant impact on bone health because they stimulate the osseointegration process, which results in the formation of new bone tissue. After fusing with the jawbone, the implant creates a sturdy foundation that looks and feels just like a natural tooth root. The implant promotes bone regeneration and strengthening, ensuring its success. Tooth implants can stop bone loss, a common consequence of tooth loss. By stimulating the jawbone to maintain its health and strength, implants prevent bone resorption.

The bones must be big and dense enough to secure the implant so it can handle biting and chewing, otherwise, the implant could fail. Insufficient jawbone density or strength often requires bone grafting.

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting bone or bone-like materials to a site that is deficient in density or volume. The goal is to encourage the growth of new bone and create a stronger foundation for dental implants. If the bone is lost due to gum disease, extraction, or any number of other causes, bone grafting would be the first line of treatment.

The success of the dental implants depends on maintaining bone density after the procedure. For proper healing, patients should adhere to all of the periodontist’s post-operative instructions. They need to practice proper oral hygiene and visit the office for routine checkups.

Dental implants and possible risks

Tooth implants have a high success rate, but it is important to consider the risks and concerns related to bone health. Possible complications include bone loss, infection, nerve damage, implant failure, and sinus issues in upper jaw implants. To reduce the risk of bone health issues, patients should only consult a dental implant specialist who employs cutting-edge techniques and premium materials. It is vital to have every concern addressed immediately.