Losing a tooth leaves a gap in the mouth. A solution to this is usually to replace the gap with a cosmetic treatment such as dental implants. If you lose a tooth, then this not only impacts your smiling confidence but also impacts the underlying strength of the jawbone, meaning weak bone density for a dental implant.
Why is bone density important? During adolescent ages, the body makes new bone faster than it breaks down older bone. Bone mass naturally increases in the mouth, but it also naturally decreases during ageing. Therefore, ensuring that you have strong bone density is important for your teeth to remain firmly in place.
With weak bone density, you’re likely to develop osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes your bone to become weak and brittle. Research states if you have a strong bone density from the age of 30 onwards, you’re less likely to develop osteoporosis. Calcium deficiency is also a symptom of a lack of bone.
If you’re looking for an artificial replacement for a missing tooth, the most natural choice is dental implants. However, there must be enough bone density for a dental implant. Luckily, if you don’t have enough bone density, there are treatments available to increase bone mass.
The Available Bone Resurrection Treatments
- #Option 1 – Bone Grafting – Bone grafting involves increasing bone density in the jaw. A bone graft involves taking bone from your lower part of the jaw and opening a wound within the skin. The bone is then securely placed before closing the wound. A splint may be used to support the bone during the healing time.
- #Option 2 – Sinus Elevation – A sinus lift involves increasing the height of your upper jaw by filling the maxillary sinus with the bone. This is the area on top of your jaw on both sides of the nose above the back teeth.
- #Option 3 – Ridge Expansion – If the jaw isn’t wide enough to support the implant, this treatment is administered. Implants can be applied directly after the procedure, but it is usually completed sometime after. The procedure will be under local anaesthesia.
- #Option 4 – Osteogenesis – This treatment will be completed if the height of the jaw bone isn’t enough. A titanium device is with pins is screwed against a piece of bone and this is subtlety unscrewed bit by bit, making the space between the bone and jawbone higher.
Increased bone density for a dental implant may produce swelling and bruising in the impacted area. Swelling is expected to decrease slowly after a few weeks, but consider applying a cold compress against the impacted area to reduce swelling quicker.
Don’t Forget Your Oral Routine…
Your oral routine is essential when it comes to having a fitted dental implant. Again, your underlying bone will impact your implant if you do not carry out a strong oral routine. Brush and floss your teeth, especially around the implant, as you would for your natural teeth. No extra maintenance is required to look after your implant, but strong bone density for a dental implant depends on how well you look after your teeth. Uncover some of the secret oral hygiene tips for your teeth and implant today!
