Losing teeth can cause discomfort and deteriorate the jawbone, which relies on the roots of the teeth to maintain its normal function. Jawbone loss can also be caused by gum disease, tooth infection, or trauma. However, there’s good news! This is where dental implants truly shine.
But how much bone is needed for an implant? Some dentists may advise patients with severe jawbone loss that they are not suitable candidates for dental implants because the implants need a strong foundation of jawbone for support.
However, the implant specialists at Advanced Dental Implant Center routinely perform procedures, allowing patients with significant bone loss to undergo dental implant treatment. If you’ve been told by other dentists that dental implants are not an option for you, don’t lose hope! We have got you covered.
The Role of Bone in Dental Implant Placement
A resilient bone structure plays a crucial role in providing the necessary stability and reinforcement for dental implants. The bone must have ample strength to securely anchor the implant to the jawbone and endure the daily demands of biting and chewing.
Without a robust and healthy bone structure, the implant may fail to undergo osseointegration, leading to potential complications that can impact the success of the procedure.
The Process of Osseointegration
Osseointegration refers to the intricate process where the implant merges and forms a robust and enduring connection with the bone. This intricate fusion process is fundamental for the success of dental implants, underscoring the significance of having sufficient bone structure in the jawbone to ensure proper implant integration.
Bone Augmentation Procedures
In some cases, the patient may have insufficient bone density or severe bone loss. That is where our specialists can help enhance bone quality and volume for successful implant placement with one of the following procedures:
Bone grafting
This technique allows us to add bone to an area with insufficient bone density or volume. By transplanting a small amount of bone from one area of the body to the other, we can build up your jawbone to support a dental implant with ease.
Sinus lift
This is an advanced technique that involves placing a small amount of bone above the sinuses, supporting the implant, and promoting integration. By strengthening the bones around your implant, we minimize the risk of implant failure and ensure optimal support for your restoration.
When Are Bone Augmentation Procedures Necessary?
Bone augmentation procedures become necessary when factors such as periodontal disease, trauma, or congenital disabilities have caused bone loss. In these cases, bone grafts or sinus lifts can increase the amount of bone available for implant placement, allowing for successful integration and long-lasting results.
Factors Affecting Bone Quantity and Quality
There are certain factors that may be responsible for the deterioration of your jawbone, including:
- Bone reabsorption: A process when natural teeth are lost where the body reabsorbs the jawbone.
- Poor diet: Essential minerals for bone health that we obtain through a healthy diet, such as calcium, may not be sufficient due to a poor diet.
- Osteoporosis: A systematic condition where bones become weak, and the body cannot keep up with bone renewal.
- Certain Medications: Steroids and anti-seizure drugs can adversely affect bone health
These factors can affect the amount of bone volume for dental implants, posing challenges for successful implant procedures. In some cases, patients with severe bone loss may be turned away or informed that the procedure is not possible. However, at Advanced Dental Implant Center, we may be able to help you with one of our specialized procedures.
Assessing Bone Sufficiency for Dental Implants
We understand the importance of ensuring that our patients receive the most accurate and personalized treatment for dental implants. That’s why our team of specialists utilizes cutting-edge technology to assess bone sufficiency.
Our in-house Cat-Scan machines provide us with a comprehensive evaluation of your existing bone structure, allowing for precise diagnosis and tailored planning for implant bridges. Additionally, our state-of-the-art digital scanning technology further enhances the precision of our treatments, ensuring that each patient receives the highest level of care and support.
Solutions for Insufficient Bone
In situations where the existing bone cannot adequately support the implant, it may be necessary to consider bone augmentation through a bone graft. Bone grafting procedures can utilize either synthetic or natural bone materials.
Synthetic Bone Grafts
Constructed from a variety of materials including ceramics, hydroxyapatite, and polylactic acid, synthetic bone grafts offer a viable option for bone augmentation.
Natural Bone Grafts
Sourced from other areas of the body, such as the chin, hip, or iliac crest, natural bone grafts provide an alternative to synthetic materials. The quantity of bone needed for successful implantation hinges on the type of implant utilized and the state of the patient’s jawbone.
When bone availability is limited, other implant techniques can be explored to ensure the stable placement of the implant:
Mini Implants
Compared to traditional implants, mini implants, also known as one-piece implants, are smaller and necessitate less bone volume.
Zygomatic Implants
Positioned directly into the cheekbone, zygomatic implants are employed when insufficient bone is present in the jaw.
Both mini implants and zygomatic implants offer a secure base for dental implants and can effectively replace missing or damaged teeth.
If you have insufficient bone, one of our dental specialists at Advanced Dental Implant Center will examine you to determine which of these treatments would be most suitable for you.
Importance of Seeking a Qualified Dental Implant Specialist
When considering dental implants, it is crucial to seek a qualified implant specialist with expertise in assessing bone quantity and quality. At Advanced Dental Implant Center, our highly experienced specialists have placed over 25,000 implants, excelling in accurate bone assessment crucial for implant success.
Our board-certified implant specialists offer expertise in placement and restoration, guaranteeing exceptional results. We prioritize patient care, aiming to provide life-changing solutions through our extensive knowledge and compassionate approach. Trust our team to guide you through the implant procedure with confidence and reassurance, ultimately restoring your smile and confidence.
If you are looking for a specialist to provide you with the best dental implant services, look no further than Advanced Dental Implant Center. Contact us today, and let us see how we can help you.
FAQs
Do I have enough bone for dental implants?
This will depend on your specific case. Our expert implant specialists will assess the amount and quality of your bone to determine if you have enough support for an implant.
How much bone is needed for an implant?
The amount of bone needed for dental implant placement can vary depending on the type of implant and the quality of the patient’s jawbone. Generally speaking, the minimum height of bone needed for an implant is 8-10mm. However, our team will carefully evaluate your case and recommend appropriate treatment options.
How much bone loss is too much for dental implants?
Excessive bone loss can affect the success of dental implants. However, with modern techniques and tools, our team can often help patients with significant bone loss and still achieve successful implant placement.
How thick should the bone be for a dental implant?
Ideal bone thickness can vary from case to case, but our team of experts will closely evaluate your bone structure to ensure that we can provide you with the best possible solution. For successful implant placement, the ideal bone density should be greater than 5 mm in height and 8mm in width.
