If you have been missing a tooth or multiple teeth for years, you may fear you are not eligible to replace them with dental implants. Missing teeth can cause the jawbone to resorb over time, leaving insufficient bone mass to support a dental implant.
However, in most cases, you can receive dental implants even with diminished natural bone mass in your jaw. At Metrowest Prosthodontics, we have multiple options to boost your jawbone mass or place the appropriate implant type.
Why Bone Loss Occurs After Tooth Extraction
Your jawbone relies on the stimulation it receives through chewing. With an absent tooth, the jawbone surrounding the empty socket receives no such stimulation. It begins to break down over time. Within the first year after tooth loss, your jawbone can lose up to 25 percent of its original volume, with resorption accelerating over time.
What if you have a missing tooth for two, ten, or twenty years? Can you still replace it with an implant? The surprising answer is often yes, you can. As prosthodontists, we specialize in tooth replacement and restoration.
How to Combat Bone Loss
We work with trusted local oral surgeons to rebuild your jawbone volume so it can support a standard single-tooth implant. The most common procedure is known as a dental bone graft. This oral surgery seems complex, but it is much easier than patients think.
In a dental bone graft, the oral surgeon gently opens the gum and a small area of the jawbone. They insert sterilized artificial bone matter that the body uses as a scaffold to create new, healthy tissue. The surgeon closes the site and gives the new bone tissue time to grow. It usually takes about six months for a bone graft to settle before implant placement surgery.
Implant Options for Tooth Replacement
We offer several types of dental implants to complete and refresh your smile:
Single-Tooth Implant
A single implant is an ideal solution for a patient missing one or two non-adjacent teeth. The implant consists of a small titanium anchor placed in the jawbone that replaces the natural tooth root. As the implant heals, it bonds with your jaw in a natural process called osseointegration. Next, we place a small cap or abutment on the implant anchor to help support the permanent dental crown.
Implant-Supported Bridge
If you have a few missing teeth adjacent to each other, an implant-supported bridge is an ingenious solution. The bridge requires only two supporting implants. These restorations are sturdier and lower-maintenance than classic dental bridges. There are no uncomfortable metal wires around your natural teeth, and they do not trap food and debris like ordinary bridges.
Implant-Supported Denture
For those missing one or two arches of teeth, we can provide a specialized implant that resembles a denture but improves upon the traditional type. Only a few anchoring implants need to be placed in the jaw for the system to work, meaning that patients with diminished bone mass may be able to receive them without additional procedures.
Unlike regular dentures, implant-supported dentures do not have a plate blocking the upper palate, which can improve comfort, speech, and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Why should I replace my missing tooth when I've lived without it for so long?
Even if you feel you must live with your missing tooth, you deserve to feel confident when you smile. In addition to cosmetic benefits, replacing your lost tooth can help maintain your oral health by preventing your remaining teeth from shifting.
How can I prevent bone loss in my jaw?
If you have a missing tooth, replace it as soon as possible. A traditional bridge or partial denture will not provide jawbone stimulation. Take good care of your teeth to help prevent gum disease and dental decay. Always attend all routine dental appointments to catch potential issues early.
At Metrowest Prosthodontics, we stand ready to help you choose your best solution to missing teeth. We want to boost your confidence and share in your excitement at the final results. When you visit our Framingham, MA, office, you will always feel welcome while receiving the Metro West region's premier dental care. Please contact us to schedule your consultation today!