Delaying dental implants can lead to the risk of jawbone deterioration. How can this be fixed ?

24/09/2024 Dental Implant

Did you know that leaving a gap between teeth for too long without wearing dentures not only increases the risk of teeth shifting or collapsing, but also makes dental implants more difficult? It can lead to gum disease and even cause the jawbone to deteriorate. 

As we know, when we lose teeth, regardless of how many, the next step for the patient is to visit a dentist to plan treatment and place dentures in the areas where teeth have been lost to prevent other potential complications. One of these complications is jawbone deterioration. Today, we want to help everyone understand this condition and find the correct way to prevent it. 

What causes jawbone deterioration?

It is caused by wearing dentures without dental implants and by periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a condition affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth, including the gums, root covering, periodontal ligaments, and jawbone, causing severe inflammation. If not treated promptly, it can lead to jawbone deterioration, abscesses, loose teeth, pain when chewing, and may even require tooth extraction. 

Can dental implants really prevent jawbone deterioration?

Yes, but not 100%. Dental implants do not directly protect the jawbone; instead, they help slow down bone loss by supporting and distributing the chewing forces. Additionally, dental implants help reduce the risk of losing neighboring teeth by serving as anchors for dentures and helping to absorb the chewing forces from adjacent teeth. 

If the jawbone has deteriorated, can dental implants still be placed?

Yes, but bone grafting is required first. The dentist will perform a surgical procedure to graft bone and strengthen the jawbone, making it capable of supporting implants and chewing forces. The time required for bone grafting varies depending on the amount needed and the individual’s physical condition. 

Why must dental implants be done with bone grafting?

When we lose a tooth and let time pass, our bone gradually shrinks, especially in the area of the front teeth, which requires extra care. Not only do we need bone to anchor the dental implant, but we also need to ensure that it blends beautifully with the surrounding teeth. Therefore, dentists often recommend bone grafting to strengthen the area for the dental implant. There are two methods of bone grafting: 

• Using the patient’s own bone: This is recommended when the dentist determines that the patient has lost a significant amount of bone. The advantage is that there’s a higher chance of the bone graft bonding effectively because it’s the patient’s own bone. The downside is that the bone resorbs more easily, and it’s more painful because the surgery is done in two locations—one for harvesting the bone and one for placing it in the implant site. 

• Using synthetic bone: This method is increasingly popular. The dentist will use synthetic bone material to graft in the area where the dental implant will be placed. The advantage is that no additional surgical site is required. 

Success rate of bone grafting

Bone grafting requires a waiting period of 2-4 months for the bone to bond. Once the period is over, only about 40-60% of the grafted bone may remain. Therefore, dentists often place more bone than needed or adjust according to each case. Factors that affect the success of the procedure include: 

• Strict adherence to the dentist’s instructions 

• Not smoking 

• Avoiding trauma to the mouth 

• Avoiding intense physical exercise 

• Avoiding alcohol consumption 

However, when problems with your teeth or oral health arise, it is recommended to see a dentist as soon as possible for the best oral health outcome. This allows the dentist to diagnose the root cause of the problem and plan a quick, precise, and safe treatment before the issue worsens and becomes difficult to fix, which could lead to escalating costs.