Dental implants If there is minimal bone loss, then an implant can be installed without any problem. However, if there is extensive bone loss, your dentist may suggest a bone graft procedure first before proceeding with installing the dental implants.
If you have been told you don't have enough bone for implants, we can advise you about bone grafting or regeneration (to create a healthy bone foundation for implants), or a graft-free immediate solution using limited bone availability for a still reliable method of implant teeth.
A number of techniques are available to correct bone loss around teeth: Regenerative bone &/or gum grafting – rebuilding or regenerating bone and gum tissue around and between the teeth. Composite bonding – to reshape the teeth to hide 'black triangles or holes' between the teeth.
It can be difficult to get dental implants because you may not have enough bone left in your jaw to hold the implant. So, the question remains, can you get dental implants with bone loss? Yes, you can. Most of the time, however, bone will need to be replaced before you can receive any dental work.
If left untreated, bone loss may become so severe that dentures can no longer be held in place, even with the use of stronger adhesives, and may require a new set to be made. Bridge supported dentures which use adjacent teeth as support may provide adequate stimulation to preserve the bone.
Bone loss around dental implants is generally measured by monitoring changes in marginal bone level using radiographs. After the first year of implantation, an implant should have <0.2 mm annual loss of marginal bone level to satisfy the criteria of success.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
The dentist may use the GTR procedure that involves placing a membrane to act as a barrier to keep the soft tissues from growing into the damaged area. It also promotes faster bone regeneration. With GTR, the new bone and ligaments start to grow within six months to support the teeth.
Sadly, it's not yet possible to stimulate the bone to regrow and rebuild the lost bone around the teeth. However, by developing good oral hygiene further bone loss can be prevented and advanced dental procedures available to replace the bone.
Flap surgery is often the first surgical intervention to treat extreme bone loss, and a graft may be necessary to regenerate the underlying bone. This procedure is designed to create new bone tissue, reverse progressing deterioration, and save as many teeth as possible.
Typically, placement of a bone graft does not require being put to sleep; it can be done easily with local anesthesia. Many dental providers can offer sedation for your comfort, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation and IV sedation. If your case is more involved, general anesthesia may be recommended.
As long as there is enough bone remaining to insert a dental implant, it is never too late to reap the benefits of this remarkable restorative solution.
Your mouth needs to be in a healthy condition before you can have implants. If you have active gum disease, you won't be able to have dental implants. Gum disease creates an environment that increases the risk of infection around dental implants. This can lead to the failure and even loss of the implant.
One study suggests that anterior incisors with 50% bone loss, premolars with 48% bone loss, and molars with 42% bone loss are likely to be extracted instead of saved with periodontal therapy.
Even the most damaged teeth can often be saved with proper periodontal treatment in a periodontal office. Many studies have shown that teeth with advanced bone loss, even to the top of the tooth root, can be saved with advanced regeneration and instruments.
Tooth loss and periodontal disease are the most common causes of bone loss in gums. Another cause of bone loss around the teeth could be due to damage caused by trauma i.e. accidents, assaults.
Take dental X-rays to check for bone loss in areas where your dentist sees deeper pockets.
The good news is, individuals who live with any stage of gum disease can almost always qualify for dental implants after undergoing certain treatments and procedures. Patients who live with mild to moderate cases of gum disease may simply have to bring the disease under control.
Depends on the patient, but many people should try to avoid placing anterior implants at the age of 18. These studies show that for some people, the best long term esthetics will be achieved if the patient waits until the age of 25 or 30.
Having major bone grafting
If you need a major bone graft, you will have a short stay in hospital after your surgery.
Whether or not you've stayed a long time after having your teeth extracted is not a reason not to undergo dental implants. So it doesn't matter the number of years you've spent; 3, 5, 10 or any number of years past, you can still get your dental implant surgery.
The good news is that you don't need to be without your teeth while your dental implants heal, and there are options for temporary dental implant teeth. If you need implants to replace your molars, right at the back of your mouth, you might not need to have a temporary.
Is the Procedure Painful? While bone grafting may sound scary, the procedure is routine, predictable, and should not be feared. Because bone grafting is performed while the patient is under anesthesia, there is virtually no pain during the procedure.
Avoid strenuous activities for the first two to three days. Refrain from sports, lifting, or doing anything that requires exertion. After three days, if patients feel more comfortable, they can walk, go for a gentle swim, or do very low-impact exercise., such as swimming or walking.
Patients who undergo a dental bone graft can expect some degree of pain and discomfort afterward. This is typically mild to moderate in nature and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients report that the pain subsides within a week or two.