DENTAL IMPLANTS AND BONE LOSS
If you have been missing teeth for a long time, have experienced periodontal disease, or have previously been told you do not have enough bone for dental implants, you may assume implants are no longer an option.
That is not necessarily the case.
Bone is an important part of dental implant treatment because an implant needs adequate support within the jaw. However, modern imaging, digital treatment planning, and procedures such as bone grafting can give some patients with bone loss additional options.
At Central Carolina Dentistry, Dr. David Baranowski uses advanced technology to evaluate each patient’s individual anatomy and determine whether dental implants may be appropriate.
DOES BONE LOSS HAPPEN AFTER LOSING A TOOTH?
Your teeth and jawbone have an important relationship. When a tooth is present, the surrounding bone receives stimulation through normal biting and chewing.
After a tooth is lost, that stimulation changes. Over time, the bone in that area can shrink.
The amount of bone loss varies from person to person and can also be affected by factors such as gum disease, infection, trauma, and how long a tooth has been missing.
That is one reason patients who have lived with missing teeth or dentures for years may have different implant needs than someone replacing a recently lost tooth.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH BONE FOR AN IMPLANT?
You cannot determine implant candidacy simply by looking inside the mouth.
At Central Carolina Dentistry, CBCT 3D imaging allows Dr. David to evaluate the jaw and surrounding structures in three dimensions. Digital imaging provides detailed information that can be used when determining whether an implant can be placed and how treatment should be planned.
For appropriate cases, digital planning can also be used to plan the position of the implant before surgery and create a customized surgical guide.
This detailed planning is an important part of our digitally driven approach to implant dentistry.
WHAT IS A BONE GRAFT?
Bone grafting is a procedure used to help rebuild or preserve bone in an area where additional support may be needed.
There are several situations in which bone grafting may become part of a dental implant treatment plan. For example, grafting may sometimes be recommended when a damaged tooth is extracted or when an area that has been missing a tooth does not have adequate bone for the planned implant.
Every case is different. Some patients need grafting before implant placement, some may be able to have grafting performed in conjunction with another procedure, and others may not require grafting at all. Your examination and 3D imaging help determine the appropriate approach.
WHAT IF I HAVE BEEN MISSING SEVERAL TEETH?
Dental implants are used for much more than replacing individual teeth.
Depending on your oral health and anatomy, implants can support bridges, stabilize removable dentures, or support fixed solutions for patients who need to replace an entire arch of teeth.
Central Carolina Dentistry offers a range of tooth replacement options, including implant crowns and bridges, implant overdentures, Locator Fixed Teeth, and All-on-X Fixed Teeth.
The goal is to find an option that makes sense for your health, anatomy, goals, and budget.
FIND OUT IF DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE AN OPTION FOR YOU
Being told that you have bone loss does not answer the larger question of what can be done about your missing teeth.
The best way to understand your options is through a comprehensive evaluation.
Central Carolina Dentistry provides dental implant and bone grafting services in Siler City for patients from Pittsboro, Chatham Park, and surrounding communities.
Schedule an implant consultation with Dr. David to learn what options may be available for rebuilding your smile.
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