Although there are several options for rebuilding your smile after tooth loss, many experts consider dental implants the ideal solution due to their unique advantages. These restorations are placed directly in your jaw to function like the roots of natural teeth, often making them more resilient and longer-lasting than alternatives.
But if it’s been a while since your teeth went missing, you might require an additional bone graft procedure to strengthen the foundation of your mouth before you can proceed. Continue reading to learn more about why this is sometimes necessary before getting dental implants!
How Do Dental Implants Work?
This treatment stands apart from others because it’s the only option that involves surgically placing a support rod into your jaw to anchor your prosthetic more permanently. For instance, a single post can anchor a lifelike dental crown to restore one missing tooth, or two or more can be strategically placed to hold a customized implant bridge or dentures to restructure your arches.
It can take 3 to 6+ months to recover, which gives your mouth time to produce enough new bone growth to envelop these supports in a process called osseointegration. Once your gums have healed sufficiently, you’ll have another minor procedure to attach the abutments, or connector pieces, which will eventually hold your new teeth.
How Does Tooth Loss Affect My Jawbone?
Did you know that the roots of your teeth help maintain your jawbone? They stimulate new bone growth each time you bite down, which helps it stay active and healthy. Unfortunately, when one goes missing, you can lose up to 20% of the surrounding bone mass within the first year. As it thins, the muscles surrounding it become slack, which can alter your facial structure by causing sunken cheeks or additional fine lines. If it becomes too frail, you could even experience additional tooth loss.
Dental implants prevent this degeneration, but they also require that your jaw be sufficiently dense to be successful. If it’s been a year or longer since your teeth went missing, you might worry that you’re no longer a valid candidate for this service.
Have I Waited Too Long to Get Dental Implants?
You’re not alone if you’re scared that you may have waited so long to get dental implants that your jaw has become too weak to support them. However, even if it’s been several years since you experienced tooth loss, there’s a chance your provider can still restore your smile. For example, an additional bone graft procedure can bulk up the foundation of your mouth so that it’s dense enough for successful dental implants.
If you’re unsure whether dental implants are right for you or if you’re a good candidate to undergo the procedure, you can find out by scheduling a consultation with your dentist!
About the Practice
At Montague Dental, patients benefit from a team of providers who are passionate about helping them build happy, healthy smiles. They share decades of combined experience, and today, they collaborate to offer a complete menu of services, including dental implant placement and restoration, conveniently under one roof. Their caring approach is paired with advanced technology for more comfortable, accurate outcomes intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (973) 293-3404