Missing teeth can lead to bone loss through bone resorption or bone atrophy. When teeth are missing, the natural stimulation that occurs during biting and chewing is absent in those areas of the jaw. The alveolar bone is the part of the jawbone that surrounds and supports the teeth. When a tooth is lost, the alveolar bone in that area is no longer subjected to regular chewing forces. As a result, the body recognizes that the bone is not needed to support teeth, and it begins to resorb or break down the bone tissue. Over time, the lack of stimulation and subsequent resorption of the alveolar bone can lead to progressive bone loss in the jaw. This can result in a decrease in the overall height, width, and density of the jawbone. Less frequent causes of bone loss include misaligned teeth, gum disease, infection, and face malignancies.
Bone grafting, also called bone augmentation, is the regeneration or replacement of bone that a patient has lost. Bone loss is the leading cause of bone grafting surgery. This process can be done with your bone (it may be harvested from another body area and surgically joined to the jawbone) or with bone from other sources (cadavers, animal products, synthetic bone). The graft acts as a platform for the nearby bone to grow upon, and over time, the grafted bone will integrate into your jaw.
Bone grafting may be considered medically necessary in various situations where there is a need to promote bone growth, repair, or support. Today, dental professionals can grow bone where it is needed. The most common problem is when you need dental implant placement – bone grafting may be necessary to provide sufficient bone mass and density to support the placement of dental implants when the existing jawbone mass is insufficient. Without adequate bone support, dental implants may fail or become unstable. Bone grafting is a crucial step in dental implant success if needed to support proper dental function, improve quality of life, or prevent further complications due to dental conditions.
Bone grafting is a game-changer when the jawbone lacks the mass needed for successful dental implant placement. What does the process look like? After administering an anesthetic to the patient, the area of the mouth requiring a bone graft is cleaned, and an incision is made into the gum to insert the grafting material combined with an adhesive. The gum is then sewn up and left to heal. Now, bone growth isn’t just a dream; it’s a clinical reality. We can grow bone where it’s needed most! Why is this so important? When the jawbone is too thin or soft, it needs bone grafting to fuse securely with the implant, ensuring stability and success. This step must be revised in cases of adequate bone structure to avoid implant failure.
Remember, the primary cause of such bone loss is the delay in replacing missing teeth! To prevent bone loss, immediately replace the missing tooth with an implant! For more information, please call our office at (866) 734-3374 or contact us online.
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