If you lose a tooth, or the gap in your tooth isn’t replaced with a natural solution, the bone will begin to shrink. It is very important that your bone density remains high. People with lower bone density are expected to lose teeth. Bone density may become low which makes it impossible to replace missing gaps with artificial replacements.
If you’re looking for an artificial replacement for a missing tooth, the most natural choice is dental implants. However, there must be enough bone density to support the implant in place. Luckily, if you don’t have the correct bone density, there are treatments available to increase the density level.
The Available Treatments
- Bone Grafting – Bone grafting involves increasing bone density in the jaw. A bone graft involves taking bone from your lower part of the jaw and opening a wound within the skin. The bone is then securely placed before closing the wound. A splint may be used to support the bone during the healing time.
- Sinus Elevation – A sinus lift involves increasing the height of your upper jaw by filling the maxillary sinus with the bone. This is the area on top of your jaw on both sides of the nose above the back teeth.
- Ridge Expansion – If the jaw isn’t wide enough to support the implant, this treatment is administered. Implants can be applied directly after the procedure, but it is usually completed sometime after. The procedure will be under local anaesthesia.
- Osteogenesis – This treatment will be completed if the height of the jaw bone isn’t enough. A titanium device with pins is screwed against a piece of bone that’s then unscrewed bit by bit, making the space between the bone and jawbone higher.
To Conclude…
Oral hygiene is significant when it comes to fitting dental implants. Fitted implants that are consumed with food remains and debris increases the chances of capturing bacteria. These bacteria can destroy the bone, implant and neighbouring teeth. Increasing bone density treatments are expected to produce swelling or bruising within the affected area. Swelling is expected to ease within a few weeks but can be sped up using a cold compress to reduce it.
Do you have a gap in your missing teeth? Are you concerned that your teeth may fall out? You could require bone augmentation treatment. Contact Wahroonga Dental Group now and check yourself in with one of our helpful and experienced dentists.