Will Dental Implants Work with Bone Loss?

If you are experiencing tooth loss, you may have a few options when it comes to your dental restoration. For some, temporary or permanent dentures may be an ideal option, while others may benefit more from using dental implants.

However, do implants work when you have bone loss? Learn more about how the bone density in your jaw can affect the efficacy of your implant procedure.

Dental Implants With Bone Loss

Most dentists will still be able to perform a dental implant procedure even if you have bone loss in your jaw. Your dentist will only require about one to two millimeters of bone in your jaw to successfully perform a dental implant procedure.

Most people, even those who have low bone density, will at least meet the minimum requirements of this threshold. Furthermore, your dentist may be able to use certain procedures to stabilize the strength of your jawbone to make implants possible.

Below are some common questions we see regarding dental implants and bone loss. 

How Do Dentists Determine Bone Density?

A dentist will measure the bone density in your jaw through x-ray measurements. An x-ray will allow your dentist to take measurements of the thickness of your jawbone.

Your bone density can also be measured through a special scan called a DEXA scan. This is a low-dose x-ray that specifically measures the calcium and other minerals in your bones.

Typically, the dentist will only recommend this special x-ray if you are on the lower threshold of visible bone in your jaw. Your dentist will need to know about the potential for further bone deterioration due to diseases like osteopenia

What If You Have Significant Bone Loss?

If it is determined that you have significant bone loss, a bone grafting procedure can be done to reinforce the strength of your jaw before obtaining the dental implant.

If your dentist recommends a bone grafting procedure, this is to give the titanium studs from your dental implants more security in your jawbone.

If a bone grafting procedure is necessary, you will likely have to wait a few more months before you can have implants. During the interim, temporary dentures will be can be fitted so that you can continue to eat and speak normally.

Is It Ever Too Late for Dental Implants?

A great thing about dental implants is that it’s rarely too late to have this procedure. Due to the low threshold of bone density and the option for bone grafting, you can typically be a candidate for dental implants.

That said, it’s best to get this procedure done as soon as possible after removing natural teeth. This is because the strength and structure of your jaw immediately start to break down when natural teeth are removed.

Without support from natural teeth, the density of your jawbone will continue to decrease, which can lead to further deterioration and may make it more difficult to get dental implants in the future.

Will Bone Loss Continue After Dental Implants?

When you have dental implants, the health of your jawbone will often improve. This is because dental implants can stimulate bone growth in the jaw.

Essentially, more calcium and other minerals will form in the jawbone during the healing process after implants have been installed, which will then strengthen your jawbone and can help prevent further deterioration of your bone density.

How Does This Work?

The strength of your jawbone will continue to improve after you have recovered from your dental implant surgery. The density of your jawbone relies heavily on daily stimulation that prompts a low level of continual healing.

When you can use dental implants the same way as natural teeth, you can exert pressure on the jawbone during everyday biting and chewing, which can stimulate bone growth and strengthen your bone over time.

Who Are Not Good Candidates for Implants?

While dental implants are a great option for most people, you must meet certain health qualifications and show commitment to future oral health to be a good candidate for implants.

Taking good care of the implants will help ensure they last for as long as possible. You may not be a good candidate for dental implants if:

Your Jaw Is Still Growing

People who are young and still growing are generally not good candidates for any type of dental implant. This is because the jaw continues to grow until your mid-20s, particularly if your wisdom teeth have not erupted.

If your jaw is still in the growing process, the longevity of your implants will be compromised. This is typically why very young children and adolescents will not be recommended for permanent dental implants.

You Are Older Than 85

On the other hand, people who are older than 85 are typically not good candidates for this procedure. Although you may have a good bone density at this age, there are other risk factors  and health concerns associated with surgical procedures.

This is the same reason why elderly people are generally not recommended for invasive surgeries that require general anesthesia. Furthermore, recovering from an invasive procedure such as this one after the age of 80 can be more challenging.

You Have Poor Oral Health

If you have a history of poor oral health that has led to gum disease, you’re likely not a good candidate for implants until you improve your oral health or gum condition. Your gums must be healthy enough to grip onto the dental implant.

If your gum health is poor it’s likely your implants will fail due to receding gums. That said, if you can improve your oral health by reversing gum disease, you may be able to have dental implants in the future.

Speak to your dentist for a personalized strategy to improve your gum health. You may need to do more than just brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.

You Have Certain Lifestyle Risks

If you have certain lifestyle habits, you may also be considered too high risk to have a dental implant procedure. Those who regularly smoke or chew tobacco are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer and gum disease.

Because your gum health may be compromised in the future, it’s more likely that your implants will fail unless you change your tobacco consumption habits.

You Have Medical Risk Factors

Those with certain medical conditions may not be a candidate for dental implants. People who are diagnosed with diabetes, autoimmune diseases, bone deterioration diseases, and systemic diseases may not be able to maintain dental implants. If you have any health conditions, speak to your dentist about your options.

Dental implants are typically a great option for those between the ages of 30-75 with good oral health. However, each candidate is different and if you are curious about dental implants as an option, speak to your dentist to see if you’re a candidate.

Are You Considering Dental Implants In The Martinsburg Area?

If you are considering dental implants you owe it to yourself to speak with an experienced dentist as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.

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