23 Feb What if I Don’t Have Enough Bone for a Dental Implant?
Imagine that you’re constructing a new house; you may want to jump into the fun remodeling projects that are aesthetically pleasing, like putting in a beautiful new kitchen. However, first you need a strong foundation that can support your designs, like a strong floor that can withstand heavy new appliances. Think of Dental Implants in the same way, you’ll first need to have a healthy and strong foundation, or jawbone in this case, to support a dental implant. San Diego dental implants
What determines if you are a good candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants are a popular solution for people who are looking to replace missing teeth, but first your dentist will need to determine that you are a good candidate. There are two primary reasons you might not qualify:
- You don’t enough bone to support the implant for a successful procedure;
- You have an oral disease, like periodontitis.
But don’t worry, there are still options available to help you achieve a healthy and functional smile. If you have periodontitis, also known as gum disease, you’ll likely need to see a specialist such as a periodontist first to make sure it’s properly managed. With the right care and management, dental implants may still be possible.
Why You Need Healthy Bone for Dental Implants
The success of dental implants depends on the stability of the implant, and this stability is achieved by integrating the implant with the surrounding jawbone. The jawbone provides the necessary support for the implant and helps to prevent it from shifting or loosening over time. If you don’t have enough healthy bone in your jaw, the implant may not be able to properly integrate, which can result in implant failure.
Dental Implants When You Don’t Have Enough Bone
If you don’t have enough bone to support a dental implant, there are still options available to help you achieve a healthy and functional smile. One common solution is bone grafting. Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves adding bone tissue to the jaw to create a solid foundation for the implant. This can be done using a variety of materials, including your own bone tissue, synthetic bone, or donated bone. Another alternative may be incorporating zygomatic dental implants that are set in a different area of your mouth. Zygomatic implants are longer implants that are anchored in the cheekbone, which provides a strong and stable foundation for the implant. This type of implant can be used to replace multiple missing teeth in the upper jaw, which is particularly useful for people who have severe bone loss.
Can I Replace All of My Teeth with Zygomatic Dental Implants?
Yes! Just like traditional implants, Zygomatic Dental Implants can be a solution for multiple or all of your dental implant needs, with tremendous benefits. There are procedures such as All-on-4, All-on-6 and All-on-8 dental implants, where the entire arch of teeth is supported by the defined set of 4,6, or 8 implants. It’s important to go through a specialist in this instance to ensure you are receiving the proper care and with the right technology.
In conclusion, if you don’t have enough bone to support dental implants, there are still options available to help you achieve a healthy and functional smile.
If you’re interested in dental implants and which options are right for you, visit Smile Designers for a consultation with Dr. Hage today! For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hage, call Smile Designers at (619)-222-6000 today.