Replacing Bone For Dental Implants
Following the loss of a tooth or multiple teeth, the bone that had previously received frequent stimulation from the missing teeth will begin to atrophy and deteriorate. This can occur even among patients who wear traditional dentures, which do not provide sufficient stimulation to halt the progression of this decay. As the jawbone continues to deteriorate, a person’s face will eventually start to sag and sink, and they can begin to appear older than they actually are. Additionally, other oral health issues may develop as a result of this decay, such as periodontal disease, gum recession, or the loss of additional teeth.
Permanent dental implants are the most effective treatment option to replace missing teeth, restore a patient back to full functionality, and halt the continued decay of the jawbone; however, when too much of the jawbone has already deteriorated, there may not be enough bone material left to support the placement of the titanium post to support the new dentures; however, in many cases patients who are facing this issue can have a bone graft performed, which is a safe and effective method for replacing bone in order to support a dental implant.
To learn more about common causes of bone deterioration, different types of bone graft treatments, what steps are involved in the bone graft procedure, and steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease, bone loss, and other health issues, please refer to the following.
What Causes Gum Disease?
While it is important to be aware of available treatment options should you experience bone loss, it is more important to first understand what underlying factors can cause bone loss to occur and what steps you can take to avoid these type of issues in the future. It is also important to be aware of common indicators of gum disease. If you are aware of and address the issues early on, you may be able to avoid dealing with significant issues associated with advanced gum disease, such as bone loss.
Although some people are simply genetically predisposed to develop gum disease, and even though gum disease is very prevalent, in most cases it is also preventable. The biggest reason people develop gum disease and experience bone loss is due to improper oral selfcare. This can be especially problematic when combined with harmful lifestyle habits, such as smoking or a diet that is high in carbohydrates and sugars.
The second most common reason people develop gum disease and gum disease progresses to the severity where bone loss occurs is because they do not schedule regular periodontal maintenance. Patients who are at an increased risk of periodontal disease may need to schedule maintenance every three or four months, but everyone should schedule this type of exam at least every six months. In addition to having your teeth professionally cleaned, this appointment also ensures your periodontist can monitor your overall oral health and address any issues that may be present as early and quickly as possible. Provided you schedule these regular examinations and practice good self-care at home, your odds of experiencing bone loss caused by gum disease are very small.
Although your periodontist will be able to determine if you have gum disease during these evaluations, it is important for patients to be aware of common indications of gum disease. That being said, one of the most pernicious aspects of gum disease is that it usually happens very gradually and will only exhibit symptoms when it has already progressed in severity. All the same, if you notice any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with your periodontist as soon as possible:
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Tooth sensitivity
- Gum recession
- Pain or discomfort while chewing
- Chronic bad breath
Bone Graft Procedural Steps
A bone graft will only be recommended as a treatment option after a thorough examination by your periodontist, which will include a diagnostic examination of your jawbone. The results of this exam will allow your periodontist to determine if jawbone loss has occurred, and if so, how much jawbone has been lost and whether a bone graft is necessary to ensure your dental implant is stable.
If a bone graft procedure is necessary, your periodontist will explain the different graft options they can perform. Every clinic has slightly different approaches with what type of grafting material they recommend, but the four most common types of bone grafts are:
- Autograft, which uses bone that is harvested from the patients body, most commonly their hip bone or from the back of their jaw.
- Allograft, which is harvested from a cadaver, after which it is thoroughly sanitized.
- Xenograft, which is harvested from an animal, most commonly a cow.
- Alloplastic, which is made of synthetic materials.
Once you and your periodontist have decided which type of graft is best aligned with your preferences and any underlying issues that have contributed to your jawbone deterioration have been addressed, you will be ready to schedule your bone graft procedure. After administering a local anesthetic and dental sedation (if needed), your periodontist will make an incision in your gums, which they will pull back in order to clean the area and remove any infected tissue. Next, they will place the graft. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is commonly performed to encourage the regeneration of bone and tissue following your bone graft procedure. Following placement of your bone graft, a small piece of mesh that contains tissue-stimulating growth factor proteins is placed. Doing so will protect the bone while it is regenerating by preventing gum from growing into that specific area. Once the graft and membrane are properly situated, the procedure will conclude by sewing up your gums.
Following your bone graft procedure, it will take three to six months for the graft to regenerate the amount of bone necessary to support your dental implant. Most patients can plan on a recovery period of approximately two weeks following the procedure, though some patients may heal faster than others. Once you have regenerated the amount of bone necessary, you will schedule another appointment to place the titanium post, which will act as the root for your new tooth. It will take approximately six months for this post to fuse with your jawbone, after which your new dental crowns can finally be placed!