Can I Have Dental Implants If I’ve Suffered Bone Loss?
Dental implants in Richmond are a popular method of replacing missing teeth but many patients who have suffered bone loss since losing their teeth are often told by their dentist that they may not be suitable candidates for dental implants. Here at Sheen Dental our skilled implant surgeon, Dr. Harmit Kalsi, has helped many people with bone loss regain their confidence by restoring their smile with implants.
Why does bone loss occur in the first place?
Most people concern themselves only with the part of the tooth that can be seen – the crown. However, the roots which sit below the gum play a very important role. Not only do they connect the tooth to the gum but they work to stimulate the surrounding bone and soft tissue to keep it healthy and plentiful. When a tooth and its root is lost, the body begins to resorb the bone that surrounded the tooth, because it thinks there is no use for it. Resorption takes place as soon as the tooth is lost and causes the bone to thin right down.
If you’ve been wearing dentures for a long time then it’s likely that you have suffered a lot of bone loss. In fact, research shows that wearing dentures actually speeds up the bone loss process. It’s also the reason why dentures become loose. As your bone thins, the shape of your jaw alters and your dentures lose their once snug fit and begin to move around, making it difficult to eat and speak.
How dental implants can help
Dental implants are secured into the jawbone and act as a replacement tooth root. Because they’re made from titanium, the surrounding bone fuses with them to create a strong and sturdy platform on which to attach a prosthesis. In addition, the implant puts a halt to bone loss.
What happens if bone loss has already occurred?
Depending on the severity of the bone loss there are a few options available, even of you’ve been told by your dentist that you can’t have dental implants. Dr. Harmit Kalsi may use zygomatic implants, which are longer than standard implants and can connect with more dense bone in the cheek. Alternatively he may be able to use mini implants which don’t require as much bone as standard implants. Finally, he may be able to carry out a bone graft or augmentation in order to boost the volume of bone in the jaw, before placing standard dental implants. Each individual is different and a decision will be made once a thorough oral examination has been carried out, and CT scans and X-rays taken.
If you’ve suffered bone loss and want a dental implant in Richmond, then don’t despair. Book a free consultation with Sheen Dental and we’ll give you an oral examination and discuss your best options. Call us today on 020 8876 5277 or book online at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk.