Dental implants are the most common and well-liked option to replace lost or damaged teeth!  These implants require the jawbone and gum tissue to function correctly, just like other body parts in surgical treatments related to them. 

However, when a patient has lost a substantial amount of bone mass or density and is thus physically unable to hold dental implants properly, this becomes a problem. 

But can you get implants with bone loss? Or can you get dental implants if you have no teeth? 

Let us find out what the expert Kansas dentist has to say!

What If I Don't Meet The Requirements For Dental Implants?

There are typically two main explanations for why a person might not be suitable for dental implants. One is a dental illness that is ongoing, like periodontitis. Luckily, gum disease may be treated, mainly if the affected teeth are extracted or you're consulting a periodontist. 

The second is not possessing enough bone for a conventional dental implant to be supported. "Conventional" is the operative word here. Integrating zygomatic dental implants placed in a separate part of your mouth or using augmentation (bone grafting) are options for making therapy possible in dental implants in Kansas City, MO.

Bone Grafting

When a bone is grafted, bone material from another body region is merged with a fractured or low-density bone. The two substances gradually combine, giving the damaged bone some density and strength.

To support dental implants, surgeons may transplant bone material from a patient's body—usually the tibia, hip bones, or other regions of the jawbone—onto the area of bone required for that purpose. Kansas dentist uses artificial bone material that is manufactured commercially or bone material that other sources have donated.

The dentist can securely place the new dental implant in the location once the jawbone has grown to adequate density.

Zygomatic Implants

The zygomatic implant is an alternative method of regaining decreased bone density. The zygoma bone, a region of the jawbone located closer to the cheek and known for its great density, serves as the base for the implant during this treatment.

In contrast to bone grafting, zygomatic implants don't require the relocation or reapplication of external bone material. As a result, they often don't need as much healing time as bone grafts, which might take anywhere from six to twelve months. It might take around four months for zygomatic implants to heal usually.

What Is The Success Rate Of Dental Implants?

Dental implants in Kansas City, MO, have had great success. According to research, the success rate for dental operations is above 95%, which is the greatest of any tooth-replacement alternative. In addition, the likelihood of success is high, even in regions with low bone density. 

A successful and beneficial implant treatment can be maintained permanently. However, implant failure is possible, albeit it is uncommon. The implant may not fuse correctly to the bone or may separate from it for several reasons.

Risks

Bone grafts in the jaws for dental implant placement have a very high success rate. However, failure is still possible even when your bone is used for the bone graft. In contrast to organ transplants, bone grafts are not rejected. 

Even dentists are unsure of the causes of certain bone transplant failures; they may be related to the patient's frequent smoking or a medical condition. It is crucial to understand that implants inserted into grafted bone have a more significant risk of failing than implants inserted into the native bone. 

However, if the graft fails, it will only be removed. Your Kansas dentist can decide to insert a second graft when the region has healed.

Other times, the quantity of implants is to blame. For example, an implant-supported tooth may occasionally rise slightly beyond the surrounding teeth, making it more vulnerable to forceful chewing and biting.

The patient may have discomfort, bleeding, and stiffness in the area of bone transplant. About two to four weeks after the procedure, they can have pain when walking if the bone is removed from the hip. The average duration of jaw swelling is one to two weeks.

The Bottom Line

Grafting can be an option for people who don't have enough jaw bone to support implants. However, it might not be practical for every patient, particularly if the region has undergone significant damage or infection. To find out if you're a good candidate for implants or if augmentation of current bone is a way to make dental implants possible, you should talk to your dentist about the prospect of implants.

Let’s Bring You A Perfect Smile!

While getting dental implants with degenerated bones can be challenging, it isn’t the situation! With trusted professionals at the Dental Care Center Of South Kansas City, we bring you the best of implants.