How Bone Loss Impacts Dental Implants

Dental Implants>When looking to replace your missing teeth, consider dental implants from our Oro Valley dental office. Since we surgically place dental implants, they are the most secure and durable way to replace missing teeth. All other solutions require hooks, clasps and relying on the surrounding teeth. Dental implants are the only option held in place using your jawbone.

Dental Implants and Bone Density

Since we secure the implant to the jawbone, the bone itself needs to have a certain level of density. In some cases, the jawbone can lose that density too quickly. When one first loses a tooth, the body will begin to leach the calcium from that area of the jaw for other areas in the body; known as the process of resorption. The process of resorption occurs because the body is no longer receiving stimulation from the teeth.

The stimulation signals the brain that the jawbone is fulfilling its duty to support the teeth. Without the stimulation, the jawbone can lose up to 25 percent of its density within the first year alone. The loss is significant and can make it harder to replace teeth going forward. We recommend that people visit us for implants immediately after losing a tooth.

Dental Implants and Dental Examinations

When visiting for an examination, we will take X-rays and determine whether or not the patient has enough density for dental implants. If one does not, there are several options to consider. There are specific procedures that partially restore the jawbone. Another solution involves placing smaller implants, known as mini dental implants. With mini-dental implants, the titanium post is not long and therefore, requires less density for placement.

For those with complete tooth loss, there is another option that is somewhat of a denture/implant hybrid. In this procedure, an impression is taken of your mouth so the dental lab can make a full set of teeth and secure those teeth to a gum-like base, just like they would when creating dentures. The difference is that this replacement set of teeth is then held in place using just a few implants. The stability of your new set of teeth will be incredible, and you will not need to worry about them falling out like you would with dentures.

Replacing Missing Teeth

All three of these solutions are excellent ways to replace teeth, and they all use dental implants technology. As a result, you can enjoy eating your favorite foods, smiling with a full set of teeth, and speaking clearly. You do not need to compromise on the quality and convenience of your prosthetic when visiting our Oro Valley dental office. We will work with you to identify the best way to replace your missing teeth and will go over all the options available to you when you come in. Just keep in mind that while dental implants are the best long-term solution, it will take several appointments to complete the process. We can provide you with a solution that can potentially last a lifetime.

Recent Posts

Can Dental Implants Support A Dental Bridge?

Looking for information on dental implants? If you have suffered significant tooth loss, but not enough to need a complete arch replacement, you can get a dental bridge supported by dental implants. Implant-supported bridges can provide a reliable, functional, and long-term solution to tooth loss. Unlike traditional bridges or removable partial dentures, a dental implant-supported…

Can I Have Braces If I Have A Dental Implant?

A dental implant may impact your teeth straightening options and treatment itself. You likely have a dental implant because you have had a missing tooth and chose an implant as your tooth replacement option, along with a dental restoration such as a crown. A healthy mouth is one that has a full set of straight…

Can Multiple Dental Implants Be Placed At The Same Appointment?

Thinking about getting dental implants to take care of your missing tooth problem? Implants are commonly chosen by dental patients who are in need of tooth replacement services. While there are other replacement options available, these do not offer the unique benefits that implants do. One of these benefits is preventing jawbone loss, which is…

Can Dental Implants Be Removed?

Learning more about how dental implants work will help you when it comes to choosing a tooth replacement option. The entire implant placement process can take many months to complete, which means you need to make sure this is the right replacement option for you. One of the many reasons people who are missing teeth…


Recent Posts

Can Dental Implants Support A Dental Bridge?

Can Dental Implants Support A Dental Bridge?

Looking for information on dental implants? If you have suffered significant tooth loss, but not enough to need a complete arch replacement, you can get a dental bridge supported by dental implants. Implant-supported bridges can provide a reliable, functional, and long-term solution to tooth loss. Unlike traditional bridges or removable partial dentures, a dental implant-supported…

What Is A Fixed Partial Denture?

What Is A Fixed Partial Denture?

If you are missing either one or multiple teeth, you may want to ask your dentist if a partial denture is suitable for you. A beautiful smile can say a lot about you. When you meet someone for the first time, the first feature they may notice is your smile. There are several reasons a…