Do dental implants cause bone loss? Well, it’s a common question for people dealing with missing teeth. Dental implants are a popular choice for replacing missing teeth, offering a natural look, feel, and function. However, some people might be concerned about the impact of implants on their jawbone health. Do dental implants cause bone loss?
The answer is it’s complicated. In most cases, dental implants actually help prevent bone loss. However, there are certain situations where bone loss around implants can occur. Let’s delve deeper into the relationship between dental implants and bone health.
Dental Implants and Bone Loss — Factors Influencing Bone Loss Around Dental Implant Area
Bone loss surrounding a dental implant may stem from various factors. Here are the potential reasons behind it:
Peri-implantitis
This stands as the primary cause of bone loss around dental implants. Peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the implant’s surrounding tissues, including the bone, often results from bacterial infection due to inadequate oral hygiene. Without proper treatment, it can lead to substantial bone loss and eventual implant failure.
Insufficient Bone Support
Dental implants rely on a healthy amount of bone for stability and support. If the density or volume of bone in the implant area is lacking, gradual bone loss may occur. This scenario arises when the implant is positioned in an area with inadequate bone quality or quantity or if there’s ongoing bone resorption post-implant placement.
Overloading or Excessive Forces
Although dental implants are designed to endure typical biting and chewing forces, excessive forces like bruxism (teeth grinding) or an uneven bite can strain the implant and surrounding bone. This strain, over time, can result in bone loss and instability of the implant.
Surgical Technique
The success of a dental implant procedure hinges on the proficiency and expertise of the dentist or oral surgeon performing the surgery. Incorrect implant placement or inadequate surgical technique may compromise the adjacent bone, leading to bone loss.
Systemic Factors
Certain systemic conditions, such as osteoporosis or uncontrolled diabetes, can impact bone health and contribute to bone loss around dental implants. Furthermore, habits like smoking, poor nutrition, and certain medications can hinder the body’s ability to heal and maintain optimal bone health.
It’s crucial to emphasize the significance of proper oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and adherence to post-implant care instructions provided by your dentist in preventing and managing bone loss around dental implants. Should you observe signs of bone loss or have concerns regarding your dental implant, seeking guidance from your dentist or a dental specialist for a thorough evaluation and suitable treatment is advisable.
How Do Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss?
Unlike dentures and bridges, which rest on top of the gums, dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. These implants act as artificial tooth roots, mimicking the natural stimulation provided by a healthy tooth. This stimulation is crucial for maintaining bone density in the jaw.
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath the missing tooth begins to deteriorate. This is because the bone is no longer receiving the stimulation it needs to stay healthy. Dental implants, by functioning like natural tooth roots, prevent this bone loss and even stimulate new bone growth.
Here’s a closer look at the process:
- Osseointegration: During the healing process after implant placement, the jawbone fuses with the implant surface through a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong, stable connection that allows the implant to function effectively.
- Bone Remodeling: The stimulation from the implant triggers bone remodeling, a natural process where old bone tissue is replaced with new bone. This ongoing process helps maintain the density and strength of the jawbone.
Do Dental Implants Cause Bone Loss?
While dental implants generally prevent bone loss, there are rare circumstances where bone loss around the implant can occur. This is typically associated with a condition called peri-implantitis.
Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease around a dental implant, similar to gum disease (periodontitis) around natural teeth. It is caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria at the implant site. If left untreated, peri-implantitis can lead to bone loss and ultimately, implant failure.
Here are some risk factors for peri-implantitis:
- Poor oral hygiene: Just like natural teeth, dental implants require excellent oral hygiene to prevent plaque buildup.
- Smoking: Smoking weakens the immune system and hinders healing, potentially increasing the risk of peri-implantitis.
- Certain medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes can affect how the body heals and increase susceptibility to infection.
- Overloading the implant: Excessive force on the implant due to bruxism (teeth grinding) or an uneven bite can overload the bone and lead to resorption.
- Improper implant placement: The skill and experience of the dentist placing the implant are crucial. Incorrect placement can compromise the surrounding bone.
Should Diabetic Patients be Concerned?
For those managing diabetes, prioritizing oral health becomes crucial, given its potential implications on gum health and recovery. While diabetes doesn’t directly trigger bone loss around dental implants, uncontrolled diabetes heightens the chances of complications like infections and slower healing, potentially worsening bone loss. Hence, individuals with diabetes must collaborate closely with their healthcare providers to effectively manage their condition and reduce the likelihood of complications related to dental implants.
Schedule Your Consultation with Ammons Dental Today!
Book your appointment with the skilled dentists of Ammons Dental, who specialize in dental implants and can assist you in determining if implants suit your needs. We have offices in Camden, Downtown Charleston, James Island, Summerville, and West Ashley.
FAQs
Do dental implants damage the bone?
If the dental implant is inaccurately positioned or inserted using subpar surgical methods, it may jeopardize the integrity of the neighboring bone, leading to bone loss. Additionally, systemic factors such as osteoporosis or poorly managed diabetes can impact overall bone health, thereby increasing the likelihood of bone loss around dental implants.
Are dentures better than implants?
Dentures have the potential to impact speech clarity and alter the taste of food. Compared to implants, they often offer less comfort and stability. Additionally, dentures may lead to soreness in the gums, require regular removal for cleaning, and contribute to bone deterioration beneath them.
What happens if you wait too long to get a dental implant?
Delaying the placement of a dental implant can result in notable bone loss over time, complicating future implant procedures. In certain instances, bone grafting might be required to restore the diminished bone and ready the site for implantation.
