Can I Get Dental Implants with Bone Loss?

Missing teeth are not only unaesthetic, but they can also affect both your oral and general health. For example, your teeth will try to make up for the gap and shift, which can lead to bite and alignment issues. And, because you can't chew your food properly, you may experience digestive issues too. 

If you're considering dental implants in Sarasota to fix a missing tooth, you may have heard that you need good jawbone health for the procedure to be successful. Is that true? And what can you do if you already have bone loss? 

Here's what you need to know. 

Why Does Bone Density Matter for Dental Implants? 

Bone density is crucial to provide the implant with the support and stability it needs to last a lifetime. And here's why. 

The metal post of a dental implant needs to be surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of the missing tooth. But, if the bone is not dense enough, the implant will not have enough tissue to keep it in place, which can lead to implant failure.

Bone density is also essential for osseointegration, the process during which the implant fuses with the surrounding tissues and becomes part of the bone structure. If the bone is not dense enough, osseointegration may not occur properly, and the likelihood of implant failure increases dramatically. 

Can You Still Get Dental Implants with Bone Loss? 

The good news is that it's possible to get dental implants even with bone loss, but you will require additional procedures to ensure a successful outcome. 

For example, your Sarasota dentist might recommend a bone graft to build up the bone in your jaw. The dentist can use bone tissue from another part of your body and use it to add it to your jawbone. After the surgical procedure is over, you will need to wait for about three or four months for the grafted material to fuse with your existing bone and create a solid foundation for the implant. 

Based on your oral health, the dentist may also recommend a sinus lift. This procedure is used when there's not enough bone height in the upper jaw, or the sinuses are too close to the jaw. The purpose of this treatment is to add more bone to the area between your jaw and the sinuses to maximize the chances of implant success. 

Do I Qualify for Dental Implants? 

Dental implants are extraordinary tooth replacement options. They look and feel natural and prevent bone mass loss. Unfortunately, not everyone can benefit from them. 

The only way to find out if you're a good candidate for implants is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Miller. He will determine the best restorative option based on your oral health and unique dental needs. 

Get in touch with Sarasota Bay Dental to book your appointment.