If you have been missing teeth for a while, the jawbone has been missing stimulation from the root of the tooth. This lack of stimulation can cause the jawbone to recede, which not only changes the shape of your jaw, but makes it more challenging to fit a dental implant, as there is not enough bone for dental implants to be fitted to. This doesn’t mean you can’t still have one fitted, however. You may just require a pre-implant treatment to create a base for the implant to be fitted to.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a permanent, low maintenance way to replace missing or full sets of teeth. Able to replace the functionality and appearance of real teeth, they are fitted by inserting a titanium screw directly into the jawbone, which then securely holds a new crown above.

Dental implants are a long-term solution, which can be maintained in much the same way as you might care for your natural teeth. As they are fitted securely into the jawbone, there is less risk of future problems with the teeth. They also allow you to eat, talk and smile with confidence, mimicking the appearance and functionality of natural teeth. The titanium screw in the jawbone means that the bone remains stimulated, meaning no further recession and your smile and face shape are kept at their best.

What difficulties can missing jawbone cause for dental implants?

If you have missing jawbone, or not enough bone for dental implants, you may require some additional treatments before having the full dental implant fitted, as the implants needs enough bone to allow for the titanium screws to be implanted.

If teeth have been missing for some time, the jawbone will have receded. If it is not being stimulated by the root of natural teeth, or by a titanium screw where implants are fitted, then the body sees no use for this bone and so it deteriorates. The rate at which the process occurs varies from person to person, with the amount of bone lost also varying. On average, most bone loss will occur within the first 1 and a half years after a tooth is extracted.

What pre-implant treatments might I need for missing jawbone?

The treatments vary depending on your situation, so talking to an expert implantologist is vital, to get the right one for you. There are various procedures which restore the bone, including socket preservation, guided bone regeneration, sinus lift and block bone graft.

These procedures create a ‘new bone’ which will then support the implant and create a new surface in which a dental implant can be fitted. The dental implant screw will stimulate the area, preventing further deterioration and maintaining the new jaw shape which has been created.

We would love to assist you on your journey to restoring your smile. Click here to find out more about the dental implant treatments on offer with Premium Dental Implants.