Dental Implants and Bone Regeneration

Dental Implants Gainesville, GA

Dental implants can improve oral health by preventing or reversing bone loss. They achieve this feat by imitating the function of natural tooth roots. The following explainer covers the role of dental implants in ensuring the health of the jawbone.

How dental implants work

Dental implants work in different configurations. A single implant can act as a tooth root for a single dental crown. Two implants on either side of a gap can support a bridge. A set of four or six implants can anchor a set of full dentures. Each dental implant is embedded in the jawbone and starts to mimic a tooth root upon installation.

Drilling the jaw to make room for the implant stimulates the bone into repairing itself, as does the presence of the biocompatible implant. In the weeks and months following dental implant surgery, new bone cells fuse with the surface of the implant on a molecular level. The jawbone also grows to fill every bit of space around the implant. This is one of the ways a dental implant stimulates bone regeneration in the jaw.

Dental implants and bone loss in the absence of tooth roots

The body needs a small amount of calcium in the blood. It obtains this calcium by breaking down a little bone tissue in a process known as bone resorption. Because bones are in constant use, they remember to regenerate and replace the calcium they lose through adsorption.

Jawbone needs tooth roots to trigger the replacement of the calcium it loses to resorption. Chewing or biting down causes the tooth roots to flex in their sockets, an action that stimulates the jawbone to absorb calcium. Missing teeth deprive the jawbone of tooth roots, and the bone tissue soon "forgets" to regenerate as it continues to lose calcium.

This is why people who remain without dental implants start to lose mass and density in the jaw. The lower mouth starts to change as the jawbone loses definition. What follows is a sunken look around the mouth, which ages the face.

Grafts as a part of dental implant treatment

Dentists have workarounds for dental implant candidates that suffer from some bone loss. They will recommend the restoration of bone mass in one of the following ways:

  • Sinus lifts: Lifting the sinus cavity away from the upper jaw by placing bone tissue on the jaw
  • Socket grafting: Restoring the shape, size, and width of the part of the jaw that forms a tooth socket
  • Ridge expansion: Splitting the ridge of the jaw and packing the resulting gap with donor bone tissue to increase bone mass and bone density

These are the different ways that a dentist corrects bone loss in the jaw, often in preparation for dental implants. In some cases, the dentist will combine a bone graft procedure with dental implant surgery. In other cases, the patient will have to wait for the grafted bone to integrate with the jaw.

Interested in dental implants?

Contact us to set up an appointment and to learn whether dental implants are a good option to restore your oral health.

Request an appointment here: https://gallodental.com or call GDC Smiles at (770) 504-5725 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Gainesville, GA.

Recent Posts

Can Dental Implants Replace Multiple Teeth?

Getting dental implants is a popular way to replace missing teeth. These oral prosthetics replace lost teeth roots and are designed to last a lifetime.Implants can be used to replace one or more teeth. Crowns, dentures, or bridges are attached to the implants, depending on the patient’s needs.No other oral prosthetic used to replace missing teeth…

How Does A Dental Implant Compare To Other Tooth Replacement Options?

Advances in dentistry have made it possible to replace missing teeth with dental implants that are more similar to natural teeth than other teeth replacement options. Many people lose teeth due to gum disease, decay, and injury. Losing teeth often lead to numerous negative consequences. It can affect your smile, weaken your jawbone, and alter…

How Long Is The Dental Implants Placement Procedure?

If you are missing teeth, you are probably wondering what you should do to replace them. For many people, dental implants are a viable option. This type of restorative dental treatment offers many advantages and can prevent serious oral health issues from developing.Regardless of which route you choose, it is important to replace a missing…

Dental Implant Placement Surgery FAQs

More people are considering getting dental implants. The strength and stability of these restorations can provide better dental health. Getting these restorations will need surgery. If you want to know as much as you can about the placement surgery for dental implants, here are some FAQs and the answers to each.These dental replacements are durable.…

Recent Posts

Finding A Family Dentist Near You

Finding A Family Dentist Near You

Taking care of your family's dental health is important to help maintain your and your children's overall health and well-being. Regular visits to a family dentist can help identify and treat dental problems before they become more serious and require more intensive care. However, finding the right family dentist can be daunting, especially if you…

How A Family Dentist Can Improve Your Oral Health

How A Family Dentist Can Improve Your Oral Health

Keeping your appointments with your family dentist can help keep your mouth healthy. This dental health professional knows how to relax and calm patients of every age. Knowing your dentist’s abilities can give you peace of mind that you are in good hands. Here are the details on how your family dentist can improve your…