You may have heard that you need great oral health to get dental implants in Houston and now you are worried. Do you need to start looking for other teeth replacement options if you have bone loss?
The answer is not that simple. Keep reading to find out more!
Why Does Bone Density Matter?
A dental implant has three pieces: a metal post, an abutment, and a dental crown. The metal post is the one that gets implanted into the jawbone and acts as the new root of the artificial tooth. But, you need to have enough bone mass (and healthy gums) for the implant to be anchored securely in the jawbone. Otherwise, the implant won’t be able to withstand the forces exerted during chewing, will begin to wiggle, and will eventually fail.
Sufficient bone mass is also crucial for the osseointegration process. During this process, the metal post will fuse with the jawbone, providing a good foundation for the tooth. If the bone is too thin or soft, osseointegration may not occur properly, leading to implant failure.
As you can see, the density and quality of the bone will affect the long-term success of the dental implant.
What If I Don’t Have Enough Bone Mass for a Dental Implant?
If you don’t have enough bone mass to support dental implants, the dentists at EaDo Family Dental will most likely recommend additional treatment to help build the jawbone. This may include bone grafting or a sinus lift.
Bone grafting is often used to increase bone volume in patients with low bone density. This is a surgical procedure during which a piece of bone from another area of your body is grafted onto your jawbone.
You will have to wait for several months for the grafted bone to fuse with your existing bone, but the result is a more solid base for the implant.
Sinus lifts are usually recommended if you need an implant in your upper jaw. This procedure involves lifting your sinus membrane and grafting bone into the sinus cavity. Once the grafted bone has fused with your existing bone, the dentist can place the implant.
Can I Get Dental Implants?
We can’t give a definite answer until we see you and examine your oral health. Chances are, you may be able to get a dental implant even if you have some bone loss.
In severe cases, dental implants may not be an option, but that doesn’t mean you can’t restore your smile. There are plenty of other options that can help you achieve a beautiful and natural-looking smile. The Houston dentists at EaDo Family Dental will help you find the right solution for your exact needs.
If you are ready to restore your smile, get in touch with us now and book your appointment with one of our dentists.
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