The longer the time that passes after tooth loss, the more the jawbone that carries the tooth becomes thinner and shorter over time. This raises questions about whether implant treatment is possible, especially for people who have lived for many years with missing teeth or with a removable denture. Today, however, a solution can be found in many cases with different surgical and planning approaches. Knowing the implant options for those with bone loss enables you to reach the right evaluation without losing hope. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, we evaluate the bone structure of our patients in Türkiye in detail with three-dimensional imaging.
Why Does Bone Resorb After Tooth Loss?
The jawbone maintains its volume by being stimulated by the chewing forces coming from the teeth. When a tooth is lost, this stimulus disappears and the bone remodels over time, losing both height and width. An important part of bone loss occurs in the first months after extraction and may continue over the years.
Other Causes That Increase Bone Loss
- Gum disease: Periodontitis leads to the loss of supporting bone while the teeth are still in the mouth.
- Long-term removable denture use: The pressure the denture places on the bone can accelerate resorption over time.
- Infections and cysts: Root-tip infections and cysts can cause loss in the surrounding bone.
- Traumatic extractions: Damage to the bone walls in difficult extractions.
- Sinus enlargement: In the upper back region, the sinus cavity may expand downward after tooth loss.
The amount of bone loss varies according to the time that has passed since tooth loss and personal factors; therefore, early evaluation ensures that more options remain open.
How Is Bone Sufficiency Evaluated?
Bone condition cannot be fully understood with classic two-dimensional X-rays. Three-dimensional dental tomography shows the height, width and density of the bone at a millimetric level and reveals the distance to structures such as the nerve canal and the sinus. This data forms the basis for deciding which method can be applied.
Treatment Options
Bone Grafting
To increase insufficient bone volume, the patient’s own bone, processed natural bone grafts or synthetic materials can be used. Grafting can be done in the same session as the implant, or in extensive losses, grafting can be done first and the implant placed after its healing has been awaited. In guided bone regeneration, the graft material is protected with a special membrane.
Sinus Lifting
If the bone height between the sinus floor and the mouth in the upper back region is insufficient, the sinus membrane is gently lifted and bone graft is placed beneath it. Depending on the amount of bone, closed or open techniques can be applied.
Short and Narrow-Diameter Implants
In suitable cases, when bone height or width is limited, treatment can be planned using short or narrow-diameter implants without the need for additional surgical procedures. This option is carefully evaluated together with load distribution and prosthesis design.
Angled Implant Placement
In completely edentulous jaws, by placing the back implants at an angle in the existing bone, structures such as the sinus or nerve canal can be avoided and a fixed prosthesis can be made with a small number of implants. This approach may reduce the need for extensive grafting in some cases.
Bone Expansion Techniques
In areas where bone height is sufficient but width is narrow, space can be created for the implant by expanding the bone in a controlled manner.
Implant-Supported Removable Dentures
In some completely edentulous patients with advanced bone loss, dentures that can be attached to and removed from a small number of implants can be made. These dentures provide much better retention than classic removable dentures, and the implants, by transmitting force to the bone, can contribute to slowing bone loss. It is a valuable option especially for patients who want to avoid extensive surgery.
Implants After Gum Disease
In patients who have lost their teeth due to gum disease, it is very important to bring the disease in the remaining teeth under control before the implant. Active gum disease can also affect the tissues around the implant. For this reason, the treatment plan is created together with periodontal treatment and regular follow-up.
Which Method Is Right for You?
The choice is made according to the type and amount of bone loss, the region, the number of missing teeth, the planned prosthesis type, and the patient’s general health condition and preferences. Some patients prioritize shortening the treatment time, while others prioritize avoiding additional surgery. At DijiDent, by visualizing different options through digital planning, we evaluate the duration and scope of each together with our patients.
Is It Possible to Prevent Bone Loss?
To limit bone loss after tooth extraction, in suitable cases a socket preservation procedure can be done by placing graft in the extraction socket. A same-day implant with extraction can also contribute to bone preservation in some situations. Early treatment of gum disease and replacing missing teeth without waiting too long are important steps in preventing bone loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many situations, it may be possible with methods such as bone augmentation, short implants or angled placement. The evaluation is made with tomography.
It varies according to the scope of the grafting. When done in the same session, the duration is shortened, while when done separately, additional time is needed for healing.
In suitable cases, the need for grafting can be reduced with short or narrow implants and angled placement.
Yes. Getting a second opinion with your tomography images can help you evaluate different options.
In suitable cases, a socket preservation procedure or a same-day implant with extraction can be applied.
Bone loss is often the beginning of a solution.
Contact us to book an appointment to have your bone structure evaluated in three dimensions and to learn the implant options suitable for you. Let us plan your treatment together at DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
This content is for general information purposes and does not replace an examination by a dentist. Treatment options and results vary from person to person; the decision is made after clinical and radiographic evaluation.
