Advances in dental technology make implants viable for Ladera Ranch residents with bone loss

You may have been told that you do not have sufficient bone to support implants, but that is rarely a problem today. With modern technology, and the wide variety of implant styles available today, virtually anyone is a potential candidate for implants.

Causes of bone loss

Genetics, nutritional deficiency, osteoporosis, and many other factions can affect the quality and quality of bone. However, there are two main reasons that this problem is so common among people who are missing teeth.

1. Periodontal disease: This infection begins in the gum tissue and, if it is not treated, it can spread to the bone. Damage to the bone undermines teeth causing them to become loose and fall out. Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss, so a large percentage of people already have diminished bone by the time they lose their teeth.
   
   
2. Bone resorption: When you chew or bite down, the pressure on your teeth is transferred to the roots and absorbed by the bone. This stimulation is essential to healthy cell regeneration. Dental implants mimic the action of tooth roots, helping to keep the bone healthy. However, if a lost tooth goes untreated, or it is replaced with any other type of restoration, the bone gradually melts away.

Modern solutions

When dental implant treatment first gained widespread popularity, there was a limited selection of styles and sizes. However, tireless research and advanced technology have led to a wide variety of options. Various diameters and lengths of implants are available, allowing your dentist to select the best one for you. In many cases, there is enough bone to support the replacement tooth, but you need the right size and shape of implant to fit the area. However, sometimes there simply isn't enough bone to support an embedded implant of any size. In this case, your dentist may recommend an entirely different style of implant, or a bone graft. Contrary to what you may be imagining, bone-grafting procedures are minor, comfortable, and highly successful.

Don't let anything stand between you and the healthy smile of your dreams. Visit Drs. Alex or Nina Basti for a consultation and learn more about how modern technology and advanced dentistry can help you. Call 949-427-2096 to schedule your appointment.