Dental implants are the top choice for replacing missing teeth. They’re strong, long-lasting, and look and feel just like real teeth. But there is a catch. Effective dental implants need a strong foundation: the jawbone. Unfortunately, some people don’t meet these conditions. So, what happens if you don’t have enough jawbone to support dental implants?
Let’s dive into this common concern and explore your options.
Why is the Jawbone so Important For Dental Implants?
The jawbone acts as the anchor for dental implants. After placing an implant, osseointegration occurs. The implant then becomes part of the jawbone. This creates a stable base for the artificial tooth or crown. However, if your jawbone is too thin or weak, it can compromise the implant’s stability. It could also increase the risk of implant failure.
What is Osseointegration?
Osseointegration is the process by which a dental implant attaches to the jawbone. This happens when bone cells develop and merge with the implant’s surface. It ensures stability and a solid base for a dental crown or prosthesis. The osseointegration process often takes several weeks to months to be completed. A crown or prosthetic can be attached once the dental implant is entirely fused to the jawbone.
What is the Reason for Thin Jawbones?
You may wonder why some people have thin jaw bones while others have normal ones. Here are some of the common causes of thin jaw bones;
- Tooth loss: When a tooth is lost and not replaced, the underlying bone stops getting the stimulation needed for growth. This causes progressive bone resorption and thinning.
- Gum Disease: Periodontal disease can damage the bone that supports your teeth.
- Trauma: Injury to the jaw can lead to bone degradation over time.
- Individual differences in anatomy: Some people are born with thin jaw bones.
Are you concerned about the thickness of your jawbone? Click here to chat with our experts now.
Can I Still Get Dental Implants With A Thin Jawbone?
If you have a thin jawbone, you don’t need to fret. You can still get dental implants to achieve your desired smile. At Dentspa Clinic, Turkey, our dentists are skilled. They excel in advanced dental techniques that circumvent thin jawbones to create a bright smile.
Here are some of the options available to you;
- Bone grafting: This is one of the primary treatments for thin jawbones. The procedure involves adding bone material to the deficient area to rebuild the bone [1]. Or transfering a piece of bone from another part of your body. This process is called bone block transfer. After the additional bone has been incorporated and the area has healed, dental implants can be placed safely.
- Sinus lift: It helps people with thin bones in the upper jaw near the molars or premolars. A sinus lift creates more space for the implant by raising the sinus floor. It also allows the extra bone to be added to the created space to place in the dental implants [2].
- Zygomatic Implants: These implants are fixed in the cheekbone, so a jawbone is unnecessary. These implants are longer and thinner than traditional dental implants.
- Short/mini-implants: These are smaller than traditional dental implants, with toothpick-thin posts. They require less bone and are often a good option for people with minor bone loss.
- All-4 implants: This method uses four implants to hold a whole arch of teeth, even with significant bone loss. The implants are designed to use the limited jaw bone. They do not require bone grafting.
Ready to explore your options? Click here to chat with our specialists on WhatsApp!
Why You Should Have Your Dental Implants At Dentspa, Turkey?
With DentSpa, you’re not just receiving dental care—you’re getting access to the best treatment options tailored specifically to your needs, thanks to our expertise and experience. DentSpa is proud to be recognized as the Best Clinic in Dentistry in Europe at the European Awards in Medicine 2024. As a leading clinic in dental tourism in Turkey, DentSpa has become a trusted name for over 50,000 international guests who seek the highest quality care at affordable prices.
Why settle for less when you can receive world-class treatment and also explore the beauty of Istanbul? With DentSpa, you’re not only getting the smile you’ve always dreamed of, but you can also enjoy a unique dental tourism experience, all while under the care of top experts in the field.
Would you like to speak with a specialist about a dental implant vacation to Turkey with Dentspa? Enquire today to see how we might help you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On What Happens If I dont Have Enough Jawbone Dental Implants?
- Why is jawbone important for dental implants? Like natural tooth roots, the jawbone supports dental implants. It anchors them firmly, giving them a stable base. If there’s not enough jawbone, the implant may not fuse. It could then be unstable or fail.
- How do I know if I have thin jawbones? A dentist or oral surgeon will use imaging tests, like X-rays, CT scans, or 3D scans, to assess your jawbone. They will check its quality and thickness.
- Can I still get a dental implant though I have thin jawbones? Yes, you can. Various choices are available to you, including bone grafting, bone block transfer and other implant procedures. You can discuss these choices with our highly qualified doctors by visiting this link: https://www.dentspa.com.tr/contact-us/
- What is bone grafting, and does it help? Bone grafting adds bone material to areas with weak jawbones, aiming to spur new bone growth and strengthen the area, making it suitable for implant placement. Your dentist could also suggest bone block transfer. This procedure involves transferring a piece of bone from another part of one’s body to the jaw.
- How long does the bone grafting process take? Bone grafting usually takes 3-6 months. The graft must integrate and gain enough density for implants.