Did you know dental implants can stop or reverse bone loss as a result of missing teeth? The benefits of this permanent solution go far beyond cosmetics. Our dentists in Vancouver explain how we can address a number of oral health issues.
If you have one or more missing teeth, your dentist might suggest a bone grafting procedure and dental implant. You can regain lost bone density, resolve your oral health issue, and have your smile restored to a natural-looking and functional state. It is important to consider the time factor when deciding whether to get dental implants. Ongoing bone deterioration can have a significant impact on your oral and overall health.
How Bone Loss Occurs
Delaying the replacement of a lost tooth can have serious consequences for both your dental and overall health, as continuous bone loss may occur. Your jawbone, along with other bones in your body, contains living tissue that constantly produces new cells. Cells in a healthy jaw grow, deteriorate, and are subsequently replaced by new cells.
Eating and chewing play a crucial role in the growth cycle. When we chew, the force travels down our tooth roots, stimulating bone growth in the jaw. However, the absence of a tooth disrupts this process, resulting in the loss of stimulus.
Over time, bone cells do not replenish at a satisfactory rate, resulting in a loss of volume in the bone. In addition, bone loss can spread to the surrounding jawbone, impacting more than just the bone beneath the tooth. The jawbone may decrease in strength, increasing its vulnerability to fractures.
Can dental implants stop or reverse bone deterioration?
Your dentist might suggest a bone transplant and dental implants to address bone loss at the site of missing teeth. The recommendation will depend on your eligibility and other factors. A tiny titanium post will be inserted in your jaw to replace the root of your lost tooth. The dentist finishes the tooth replacement by placing a crown or bridge on top of the post. Bone cells will develop around the injury and attach to its surface during the healing process. Over time, the bone strengthens and fills in.
Why You May Need Bone Grafting Surgery
In order to ensure that the dental implant can be successfully placed, it may be necessary to undergo a bone grafting treatment. This treatment helps to strengthen the jawbone and promote bone growth, ultimately increasing the density of the jaw.
In certain situations, it may be necessary to undergo a bone grafting treatment to ensure that the dental implant can successfully integrate with your jaw by providing sufficient bone density. After the bone graft has healed, dental implants are placed and the titanium implant is united with the jaw through osseointegration.
Placing dental implants promptly after tooth loss is crucial. Visit your dentist at Vancouver to determine if this option is suitable for you.
Note: This post is for informational purposes only. Cambie Village Dental does not offer dental implants at this time.