Most people are concerned with replacing the part of the tooth that they can see—the crown when a tooth goes missing. However, there is something even more relevant beneath the gums: the jawbone. Your jawbone requires stimulation from your teeth to remain strong. When a tooth is lost and not replaced, the area of bone beneath the space may start to weaken—shrink. This is where dental implants near you can be beneficial.
Let’s discuss how dental implants preserve bone, as well as what you should know before receiving one.
What Happens to Bone When You Lose a Tooth?
Your teeth and jawbone work together. Every time you chew, the root of your teeth signals your bone for stimulus that keeps it strong. However, when a tooth is lost, that part of the jawbone no longer receives that stimulus. Bone shrinks. This is known as bone loss.
Bone loss not only impacts your mouth. It can change the shape of your face as well as complicate any future dental work. Accordingly, replacing a missing tooth is not only about aesthetics—it is about maintaining a healthy jawbone.
How Do Dental Implants Preserve Bone?
Dental implants are small posts made of titanium. A dentist puts them into the jawbone where the tooth used to be. The implant serves as an artificial tooth root. The moment it is placed by a dentist near you, your bone begins to grow around it. This is the osseointegration process.
Here is how osseointegration helps:
- The implant provides your bone something to hold onto.
- It transmits signals from the chewing pressure, similar to a natural tooth root.
- It keeps your bones active, so they won’t shrink.
Because of this, dental implants retain bone much better than bridges or dentures (other tooth replacement options).
Does Bone Regrow After a Tooth Implant?
Yes, in many cases, the bone can regrow after the dental implant is placed—especially if it was placed early after tooth loss. The implant acts like a real root, so your body will treat it as if it belongs there. Over time, bone cells will grow and attach to the implant.
If an excess of bone is already lost, your dentist may recommend a dental bone grafting procedure prior to your dental implant.
What Is a Dental Bone Graft?
A dental bone graft is a procedure that allows patients to gain back lost bone. Dentists will perform a dental bone graft for areas that are deficient in bone or if the bone is too thin to support an implant.
What do dentists use for the bone graft?
That answer could take several forms:
-your own body’s natural bone
-a donated bone from a tissue bank
-synthetic (man-made) materials
After the bone graft is placed, the body will begin to grow new bone in the area of surgery. This varies, depending on the graft technique and the extent of bone loss.
Dental Bone Graft Healing Stages
The healing after a bone graft is slow and takes time. Here are the common dental bone graft healing stages to expect:
~First 24 – 48 hours: Swelling and some discomfort are normal after a dental bone graft. Your dentist may prescribe medication and give you instructions on how and when to take the medication for your pain during this period.
~1 to 2 weeks: Gums begin to heal. You are required to eat soft foods and avoid hard and crunchy foods.
~3 to 6 months: New bone starts to grow slowly and bond with your jaw. This is a critical part of the entire process and the long-term success of the implant.
After you have healed completely, your dentist will assess and determine if your jawbone is ready for a dental implant.
Dental Bone Graft Cost (General)
The cost of a dental bone graft will differ based on the bone graft material and the amount of bone being grafted. Your dental insurance may cover a partial amount of the bone graft costs, especially if the dental bone graft is deemed to be medically necessary.
It’s best to bring up the subject of costs with your dentist, which includes the following:
-x-rays or scans
-the type of bone graft material
-the full treatment plan (graft and implant)
Why Choose Dental Implants?
There are many reasons to choose dental implants if you have missing teeth:
- They look and feel like real teeth
- They help you chew your food properly
- They prevent nearby teeth from moving out of place
- Most importantly, dental implants preserve bone
Unlike dentures or bridges, implants stay fixed in place. They do not press down on your gums or jawbone, so the bone stays healthy and strong.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants are more than replacing a few missing teeth—they are a long-term option for preserving your jawbone and the health of your mouth. When your jawbone is healthy, it will keep the mouth healthy.
If you have lost some bone, a dental bone graft may be needed first. The healing process can take a few months of time however, the outcome will be a long-lasting, stable part of your mouth with a few more appointments.
Support Implants With A Bone Graft!
At Le Family Dental, we help patients with missing teeth by offering dental implants and bone grafts. Bone grafts give support to the jaw when the bone is too weak or thin for an implant. Our team uses safe materials and follows careful steps to keep your mouth healthy. We make sure your implant has a strong foundation. Book your visit today at Le Family Dental.