A guide to jawbone health: Why grafting may be in your future before implant placement
When discussing your smile’s beauty, health, and function, your teeth naturally take center stage. However, when it comes to dental implants, the jawbone is the “star” of the show. Sufficient, healthy bone must be present in the jaw for implants to succeed. But, if you have gone without teeth for some time and have sustained bone loss, never fear. Our Board-certified specialists at Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery have the advanced bone grafting services and capabilities to support successful implant healing and lasting function from your implant-retained crowns, bridges, and dentures.
What do you mean by bone loss?
Often, when we think of tooth loss, we immediately think of noticeable gaps in our smiles. But there is a hidden danger. Bone loss occurs rapidly and soon after teeth fall out or are removed. This process involves the deterioration or resorption of the supportive bone in the jaw. It occurs when the jaw no longer has the stimulation it needs from the teeth. Your muscles retain their strength with exercise, right? The same thinking applies here. The teeth get their “exercise” from mashing or grinding down food. When these teeth are no longer present, the bone gradually shrinks. It’s a “use it or lose it” situation.
Do I have bone loss?
Our specialists will assess the condition of your jawbone. However, there are some telltale signs. These complications of bone resorption range from problems with dentures or dental appliances no longer conforming or fitting as well as they used to to a worsening of chewing function and speech. Additionally, the loss of structural support in the jaw can result in highly noticeable changes in your appearance. The lower part of the face begins to look collapsed or sunken. The overlying tissues also fall as they no longer have good support. So, you may notice more pronounced wrinkles, folds, and facial laxity.
Does bone loss preclude me from getting dental implants?
No, not at our specialty center, though adequate bone is integral. After all, there needs to be enough bone for the implant introduced in the jaw to heal properly. The bone provides the foundation for the implant, which then provides the foundation for the prosthetic tooth. However, services or procedures may be recommended prior to implant placement to address this loss of bone. They include an array of bone grafting solutions.
What do you mean by bone grafting?
Bone grafting refers to taking bone from one part of the body or another source and applying this tissue “graft” to the area or implant site that could most use the augmentation. We may even stay ahead of the process by performing socket preservation at the time of any extractions. The bony tissue or donor material is applied to the socket to effectively preserve the bone at the time of the removal of a tooth. Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery have the expertise to perform complex or challenging grafting treatments, such as ridge augmentation and sinus lifts. If you are concerned about the effects of tooth loss, contact our teams in Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect, and Chicago, IL, without delay at (847) 255-7080, (630) 289-5002, (847) 593-0535, and (773) 736-3300, respectively.
