Can You Get a Dental Implant Even If You Have Bone Loss in Your Jaw?
When you lose a single tooth or multiple teeth, getting the teeth replaced with a suitable alternative is important. Replacing a lost tooth is important not only so you can have a beautiful and complete smile but because you are at risk of several oral health problems.
Patients in the Highland, Michigan, area seeking tooth replacement options visit the team at Milford Dental and Associates. One concern you need to worry about after losing a tooth is bone loss. Your jawbone can break down over time once it loses the stimulation provided by your missing tooth’s root. If you have already experienced bone loss, will dental implants be a viable option for tooth replacement?
Why Is Bone Necessary for A Dental Implant?
When a tooth is lost, the area of the mouth where the tooth was present is not the only area impacted. The bone which surrounds the tooth’s root will also be affected. Specifically, it will weaken and be re-absorbed into the body over time. Weak and degrading bone can impact nearby teeth and gum tissue, making it critical to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible.
Dental implants will help preserve the structure of your jaw. But, without enough bone, there will be no way to support a newly placed dental implant. So, what can be done if you have already lost too much bone?
Bone Grafting
Choosing a dental implant for tooth replacement will minimize or outright prevent bone loss in your jaw. If you have lost a tooth and are seeking tooth replacement options, you should consult with your dentist about options available to you, including dental implants. If you have considered dental implants but are hesitant due to bone loss, contact your dentist to see if you are a candidate for bone grafting. A bone graft will source bone from another area and place it where it is needed in your jaw so that a dental implant can be placed.
To schedule an appointment with Milford Dental and Associates, please call (248) 845-4575.
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