Bone loss doesn’t have to preclude you from dental implants! FAQs about grafting to rebuild your jawbone
Bone loss is a destructive complication of tooth loss. The bone in the jaw depends on the teeth for its strength and density. However, when teeth are lost, the jawbone does not get the stimulation or “exercise” needed. Like your muscles after bedrest or sickness, the jawbone can shrink or deteriorate due to tooth loss and lack of stimulation from behaviors such as eating, mashing, or breaking down food. Fortunately, we can arrest the effects of this process with an array of grafting techniques and procedures at Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implants Surgery in Mount Prospect, Illinois (with offices in Chicago, Elk Grove Village, and Bartlett).
Why does the health of my jawbone matter?
A healthy, attractive smile requires more than a full set of teeth. Your mouth is a sum of many parts. They include the supportive tissues in the jaw. When these tissues deteriorate or are lost, you may notice changes in the appearance of your face. The skin and muscle no longer have the essential structural supports to remain lifted and contoured. You may appear prematurely “aged” or older than your years. As bone loss worsens, the lower part of your face or chin can “collapse.” Your face may appear sunken and hollow, and wrinkles may be more visible. Of course, the effects of bone loss transcend cosmetics. You may notice increasing difficulty with eating and speaking. If you wear dentures or other appliances, they no longer fit and may shift around in your mouth, causing sores and other challenges to your day-to-day function. Plus, bone loss must be considered and addressed before placing implants.
Why is the jawbone so important for implants?
The implant’s success depends on the bone’s health and strength in the jaw. Each implant will be introduced to the jawbone. The implants then grow or merge with the surrounding bone. Implants, as part of the jawbone, provide the foundation for your new teeth. Those crowns, bridges, and dentures must have a solid foundation to ensure lasting success, health, function, and durability.
What options do you provide to treat bone loss?
As specialists, we have many techniques at Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implants Surgery. Grafts largely involve repairing those areas for implants with insufficient bony tissue. The loss of such essential structure can arise due to the past removal of a tooth, periodontal disease, or trauma. Bone may be acquired from tissue banks or transferred from areas such as the jaws or hips to the site that could use the most augmentation in your mouth.
Ridge augmentation, for instance, is indicated to rebuild the alveolar ridge’s original height and width. The process involves placing bone graft material in the tooth socket, which is then covered by gum tissue and secured with sutures. Similarly, the sinus lift or augmentation involves raising the sinus floor in the upper jaw to stimulate new bone formation. At the same time, socket preservation may include filling the extraction site or socket with a bone substitute that is later covered to encourage healing and bony tissue regeneration.
With so many potential options to replace teeth and bone, you may be a great candidate for dental implants! Contact our Mount Prospect, IL office at (847) 255-7080. You can also reach out to one of our three other locations in Chicago, Bartlett, and Elk Grove Village at (773) 736-3300, (630) 289-5002, or (847) 593-0535, respectively.
