When considering dental implants, many patients worry about the possibility of losing bone mass even after the procedure.
The question, “Do dental implants cause bone loss?” often arises in these discussions, fueling uncertainty about whether implants are the best solution.
Dental implants are frequently chosen by patients dealing with missing teeth for good reason. They restore normal eating and speaking abilities and help prevent bone loss in the jaw. Moreover, dental implants are highly dependable, reporting a success rate exceeding 95%.
However, it’s important to remember that no medical procedure is flawless. Even after implants are placed, bone loss is still possible, which could jeopardize the stability of your new teeth.
What is Bone Loss?
The term “bone loss” refers to the process where a bone in your body begins to deteriorate. In the jaw, this condition often results from missing teeth. Normally, biting and chewing stimulate the jawbone, keeping it healthy and strong. However, when a tooth is lost, the “unused” section of the bone begins to shrink.
As bone loss progresses, it can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of alignment. This can lead to significant bite issues and potentially more tooth loss. Additionally, the loss of bone support for the lips can lead to wrinkles, making you appear older.
Do Dental Implants Cause Bone Loss?
How Do Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss?
Osseointegration
Distribution of Chewing Forces
Dental implants mimic the function of your natural teeth by evenly distributing chewing forces across the jawbone. This load-bearing action stimulates the bone, promoting its maintenance and preventing bone resorption.
Preservation of Jaw Structure
By replacing the missing tooth root, dental implants help preserve the natural structure of the jawbone, preventing deterioration. This preservation is crucial for maintaining facial aesthetics and avoiding complications like changes in facial appearance or difficulties with chewing.
Stimulating Bone Growth
Dental implants apply pressure to the jawbone during chewing and biting, which stimulates bone growth and density. This ongoing stimulation keeps the bone healthy and strong, reducing the likelihood of bone loss around the implant site.
How Do Dental Implants Cause Bone Loss?
Again, implants cannot inherently cause bone loss. In fact, they help preserve bone density.
However, there are several factors that can lead to bone loss after getting implants. These include:
Peri-implantitis
Peri-implantitis is the leading cause of bone loss around dental implants. This inflammatory condition affects the tissues surrounding the implant, including the bone, and is usually triggered by bacterial infection due to poor oral hygiene. The infection can lead to the gradual breakdown of the supporting bone.
If not addressed promptly, peri-implantitis can result in significant bone loss and potentially cause the implant to fail.
Inadequate Bone Support
For dental implants to be successfully integrated into your jawbone, a sufficient amount of healthy bone is necessary to provide stability and support. If the bone density or volume in the implant area is inadequate, it can lead to bone loss over time.
This issue can arise when an implant is placed in an area with poor bone quality or quantity or if there is ongoing bone resorption following the implant procedure.
Overloading or Excessive Forces
Dental implants are engineered to handle normal biting and chewing forces. However, excessive forces, such as those from bruxism (teeth grinding) or an uneven bite, can place undue stress on the implant and surrounding bone. Over time, this can lead to bone loss and implant instability.
Poor Surgical Technique
The success of a dental implant procedure heavily depends on the skill and experience of the dentist or oral surgeon. If the implant is incorrectly placed or if the surgical technique is inadequate, it can compromise the surrounding bone, leading to bone loss.
Treatments to Address “Do Dental Implants Cause Bone Loss?”
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting involves transplanting bone tissue from another area of the body or using synthetic materials to build up deficient bone around the implant. This procedure helps to restore bone volume and provide the necessary support for the implant.
Implant Revision & Replacement
In some instances, the implant may need to be removed and replaced with a longer or wider implant to ensure better stability and support in areas where bone loss has occurred.
Peri-implantitis Treatment
If bone loss is caused by infection or inflammation, treating peri-implantitis is essential. This typically includes thoroughly cleaning the implant surface and surrounding tissues, combined with antimicrobial therapy to address the infection.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
This technique involves placing a barrier membrane around the implant to block the growth of soft tissues and encourage the healing and regeneration of bone.
Conclusion
While dental implants are typically successful, the question, “Do dental implants cause bone loss?” may arise.
It’s important to consult with an experienced dental implant professional both before and after receiving dental implants. They can evaluate your oral health, discuss various treatment options, and offer personalized care to ensure the implants’ long-term success.
If you’re considering dental implants or have concerns about bone loss, schedule a consultation with Seattle’s Best Smiles to explore your options and start on the path to a confident smile.
FAQ
Can bone loss still occur after getting dental implants?
Yes, bone loss can occur even after implants are placed due to factors like infection, improper placement, or insufficient bone density.
How do dental implants help maintain bone health?
Dental implants maintain bone health by mimicking natural tooth roots, which stimulate the surrounding bone and prevent deterioration.
