“Can I get a dental implant with bone loss?”
I have bone loss in my jaw. Can I get a dental implant with bone loss?
3 Answers
Yes, it is often possible to get a dental implant even if you have experienced bone loss in your jaw. However, the implant procedure may require some additional steps to ensure that the implant has a stable and sufficient foundation. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, frequently works with patients who have bone loss and can provide options to restore bone density before placing an implant.
Options for Patients with Bone Loss
1. Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is one of the most common methods used to address bone loss before implant placement. A bone graft involves adding bone material (which can be natural or synthetic) to the area of bone loss. Over time, this graft integrates with your natural bone, creating a strong, stable foundation for the implant.
• Types of Bone Grafts:
• Socket Preservation: A graft placed immediately after a tooth extraction to prevent bone loss.
• Ridge Augmentation: A graft that adds width and height to the jawbone.
• Sinus Lift: For implants in the upper jaw, a sinus lift can add bone to the area near the sinuses to create more space for the implant.
• Healing Time: Bone grafts generally require a few months of healing before an implant can be placed, allowing the grafted material to fully integrate with your natural bone.
2. All-on-4 or All-on-6 Implants
In cases of significant bone loss, All-on-4 or All-on-6 implant-supported dentures may be an option. This approach involves placing four to six implants strategically in areas with adequate bone to support a full-arch prosthesis, allowing you to avoid extensive bone grafting.
3. Zygomatic Implants
For patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw, zygomatic implants may be an option. These implants anchor into the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jawbone, providing support without the need for bone grafting. This option is generally reserved for complex cases and requires specialized surgical expertise.
Steps to Determine Your Implant Options
Dr. Egan will begin with a thorough evaluation of your bone structure, often using advanced imaging such as a 3D cone beam CT scan to assess bone density and determine the best approach. Based on the assessment, he will discuss the options available to ensure a successful implant placement, whether through bone grafting or alternative implant techniques.
Benefits of Addressing Bone Loss Before Implant Placement
• Long-Term Stability: Ensuring a stable foundation helps extend the life of your implant and prevents future issues.
• Improved Aesthetics and Function: Restoring bone volume supports the shape of your jaw and facial structure, leading to a more natural appearance and better chewing function.
• Bone Health: Placing an implant with adequate bone support helps stimulate the jawbone and prevent further bone loss over time.
Even with bone loss, dental implants remain a highly effective solution for replacing missing teeth. Dr. Jeremy Egan and the team at Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma are experienced in advanced implant techniques and can develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your bone loss and supports a successful implant outcome.
Options for Patients with Bone Loss
1. Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is one of the most common methods used to address bone loss before implant placement. A bone graft involves adding bone material (which can be natural or synthetic) to the area of bone loss. Over time, this graft integrates with your natural bone, creating a strong, stable foundation for the implant.
• Types of Bone Grafts:
• Socket Preservation: A graft placed immediately after a tooth extraction to prevent bone loss.
• Ridge Augmentation: A graft that adds width and height to the jawbone.
• Sinus Lift: For implants in the upper jaw, a sinus lift can add bone to the area near the sinuses to create more space for the implant.
• Healing Time: Bone grafts generally require a few months of healing before an implant can be placed, allowing the grafted material to fully integrate with your natural bone.
2. All-on-4 or All-on-6 Implants
In cases of significant bone loss, All-on-4 or All-on-6 implant-supported dentures may be an option. This approach involves placing four to six implants strategically in areas with adequate bone to support a full-arch prosthesis, allowing you to avoid extensive bone grafting.
3. Zygomatic Implants
For patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw, zygomatic implants may be an option. These implants anchor into the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jawbone, providing support without the need for bone grafting. This option is generally reserved for complex cases and requires specialized surgical expertise.
Steps to Determine Your Implant Options
Dr. Egan will begin with a thorough evaluation of your bone structure, often using advanced imaging such as a 3D cone beam CT scan to assess bone density and determine the best approach. Based on the assessment, he will discuss the options available to ensure a successful implant placement, whether through bone grafting or alternative implant techniques.
Benefits of Addressing Bone Loss Before Implant Placement
• Long-Term Stability: Ensuring a stable foundation helps extend the life of your implant and prevents future issues.
• Improved Aesthetics and Function: Restoring bone volume supports the shape of your jaw and facial structure, leading to a more natural appearance and better chewing function.
• Bone Health: Placing an implant with adequate bone support helps stimulate the jawbone and prevent further bone loss over time.
Even with bone loss, dental implants remain a highly effective solution for replacing missing teeth. Dr. Jeremy Egan and the team at Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma are experienced in advanced implant techniques and can develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your bone loss and supports a successful implant outcome.
Hello there. There are procedures that can be done to minimize the problem with bone loss. Bone grafting can be used in ares with inadequate bone quantity and/or volume. I hope it helps. Thanks. Dr. O Doing what is right, it is always the right thing to do.
Yes, people with bone loss are eligible to receive dental implants. In many cases, this can be done with lengthy bone grafting procedures. The dentist has to take many factors into consideration before recommending a dental implant solution. Some of these factors include the number of teeth that need to be replaced, the cause of the patient’s bone loss, and how much bone loss has occurred and in what region of the jaw.
