How Implants Prevent Bone Loss
Richland, WA
 Brushing and flossing are both incredibly important to maintaining a high level of oral hygiene, however without the proper supportive gum and jawbone structure good oral hygiene is not possible. While trauma can indeed impact the oral cavity health, disease and neglect can as well. If bone loss is detected, one such available treatment is regeneration. In short, it simply means the regrowth of lost bone tissue. It is an invasive surgical procedure, requiring sedation but it can be necessary to improve the lost support of damaged gums or teeth. If you are seeking dental implants and do not have enough jawbone structure, you may need this procedure prior to receiving implants. Come see us today at Implant & Periodontal Associates NW in Richland to have an appointment scheduled.
Causes of Bone Loss
Although many people can identify if their teeth or gums are not healthy, it is harder to visually verify that their jawbones are compromised. For jawbones to remain healthy, they need constant opposing pressure, such as dental implants, to maintain bone mass. Each time a patient chews, the force of biting down created by the opposing teeth helps to provide that pressure, keeping the jaw healthy and vital. When a tooth is lost or missing, then so is that pressure. If a patient does not get an artificial tooth to help maintain that pressure, then the bone mass loss can become a problem.
Bone Regeneration
Reestablishing strength through new bone growth is a relatively new procedure and one that is very important to improving the underlying strength of the existing bone mass. Without this, there is no foundation for other restorative dental procedures such as artificial teeth in the form of dentures, bridges or dental implants. Dental implants come in many forms, including the All-on-4® Treatment Concept, single tooth dental implants, and multiple teeth dental implants. Bone grafts, whether taken from the patient or another donor can help the affected area and restore lost mass.
The underlying jawbone will first need to be exposed in order to apply the harvested bone graft. This is done by making a precise cut along the gums. The graft is applied, and the incision is closed. It will be secured so it does not move once applied as this will affect the results.
How Necessary is Bone Regeneration?
With widespread bone loss which is common in the later stages of periodontal disease, bone grafts can easily provide this treatment. It can help to impact the patient’s oral health and lost bone mass. A preventative procedure, the regeneration process can solve more than one problem and allow other restorative procedures to be utilized as well.
Considered preventative, it has always been widely used for cosmetic purposes too. Without the supportive presence of teeth, or restorative teeth such as dental implants, the face can sag inward. With proper bone mass, artificial teeth can be used to restore the support and outward appearance of the patient.
Regeneration, while important by itself, is typically considered as only part of the solution. It is used in concert with other surgical treatments.
Any patient weighing their artificial tooth options such as dental implants should consider getting bone grafts to support regeneration. It may be needed when considering dental implants. Come in for an assessment today at Implant & Periodontal Associates NW in Richland to see if you are in need of this procedure. Providing you with a complete evaluation, we can assess your situation and make the appropriate recommendations regarding available treatments. Call to schedule your appointment at (509) 542-9111.
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