Bone loss is a common problem after you’ve lost one or more teeth. Over time, the bone structure beneath your missing teeth begins to weaken and deteriorate. Gum disease, periodontal disease, and dental trauma are other leading causes that can cause you to suffer bone loss.
If you’ve experienced significant bone loss and are wondering if you can still receive dental implants in Jacksonvile, the answer is “yes!” Even with reduced bone density, Dr. Charles Poblenz at JAX Dental Studio offers advanced implant dentistry solutions to help you restore your smile.
Why Does Bone Loss Affect the Dental Implant Procedure?
Bone loss around the implant site affects the procedure because implants need to be surgically anchored into your own bone. Without sufficient bone structure, there’s an increased risk of implant instability and failure.
This is why a detailed implant consultation is crucial. With digital x-rays, Dr. Charles Poblenz will evaluate your bone cells, examine the extent of lost bone, and determine if additional surgical procedures are needed to support the implant.
Even with severe bone loss, modern techniques make it possible to move forward. Many patients undergo bone grafting to rebuild healthy bone where it’s been lost. As long as your mouth is otherwise healthy and free of conditions like gum disease, you may still qualify for dental implants.
Bone Grafts Can Help Rebuild Bone for Dental Implants
During a bone graft, Dr. Poblenz places biocompatible material into the affected area to promote regrowth. Over time, your body replaces this material with bone cells, creating a stable base. This approach is essential for restoring the upper jaw and other areas affected by bone loss around previous extractions or injuries.
After healing, this regrown bone can support traditional dental implants, allowing for a secure and lasting result. If you don’t have enough bone to begin with, grafting provides the foundation needed to move forward safely.
Can You Avoid Bone Grafts?
The best way to avoid bone grafting is to get implants quickly after tooth loss. Bone deterioration begins soon after a tooth is lost, and you may lose up to 25% of the surrounding bone volume within a year.
Timely implant placement helps maintain bone structure and prevents further deterioration. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants stimulate the jaw, preserving your natural anatomy. If you’ve maintained proper oral hygiene, and your gum tissue is in good condition, you might not need grafting at all.
What If You’ve Already Experienced Bone Loss?
If you’ve already experienced severe bone loss, you’re not out of options. Advanced procedures like sinus lifts and ridge augmentations are available to support traditional implants, even in complex cases. These approaches help rebuild a stable base and make treating bone loss a possibility rather than a barrier.
By addressing issues early and maintaining good oral habits, such as avoiding poor oral hygiene, you can increase your chances of successful implant outcomes.
Restore Your Smile at JAX Dental Studio
If you’ve experienced bone loss, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on dental implants. At JAX Dental Studio, we offer advanced implant solutions, including bone grafts and full arch restorations, tailored to your needs. Dr. Charles Poblenz uses modern tools like the iTero 5D digital scanner and soft tissue laser to ensure precise, comfortable care at every step.
Our commitment to open, honest communication means you’ll always know your options, and we’ll help guide you toward the best solution for your oral health. Whether you’ve dealt with gum disease, tooth loss, or a weakened bone structure, we’re here to help you smile confidently again. Call us at (904) 396-4091 or contact us online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get dental implants if I have severe jawbone loss?
Yes, even with severe jawbone loss, many patients can still receive dental implants. An oral surgeon may recommend a bone graft to rebuild bone tissue using synthetic or donor bone material. This helps create a stable foundation for the implant, improving both success rates and long-term function.
How does bone health impact the risk of implant failure?
Poor bone health—due to conditions like osteoporosis, untreated gum disease, or aging—can significantly increase the risk of implant failure. A strong and healthy jaw bone is essential for supporting dental implants, so evaluating and improving your bone quality is often a key first step in the implant process.
What role does bone growth play in successful dental implants?
After an implant is placed, your body must stimulate bone growth around it in a process called osseointegration. This allows the implant to fuse with your jaw bone, providing stability similar to natural teeth. Without proper bone growth, the implant may loosen or fail over time.
Can dental implants help preserve bone tissue after tooth loss?
Absolutely. Unlike other tooth replacement options like bridges or dentures, dental implants actively stimulate your bone tissue, much like natural teeth do. This stimulation helps maintain bone material and prevents deterioration of the jaw bone, which is common after tooth replacement is delayed.
Who should I see if I’ve already lost a lot of bone material?
If you’ve lost significant bone material, it’s important to consult with an experienced oral surgeon. They can assess your current bone health, recommend grafting procedures if needed, and develop a personalized plan to reduce the risk of implant failure and restore your smile with a stable implant foundation.
