FAQs About Bone Loss And Dental Implants

A large number of people who have dental implants never experience complications. However, there is a small chance that you could experience complications after the implants are completed. One potential problem is bone loss. If you are planning to get dental implants, it is important you understand what causes bone loss and what you can do to avoid it. 

What Causes Bone Loss?

Bone loss can occur for a variety of reasons, including the development of peri-implantitis. The condition is an inflammation of the gums surrounding the implants. As the condition progresses, an infection spreads that weakens the bones and tissue. 

Implantation by an inexperienced dental surgeon can also lead to bone loss. There are certain precautions that need to be taken during surgery to lower the risk of an implant failure. 

For instance, cement is used to secure the abutment for the implant in your jawbone. If too much cement is used, it can start to ooze out and get into the gums and cause infection. The infection can trigger bone loss. 

Other potential causes of bone loss include smoking, diabetes, and poor dental hygiene. If you grind your teeth, you can also have bone loss-related failure of your implants. 

What is the Treatment?

One of the first ways to avoid bone loss is to choose an experienced dental surgeon to perform the implant surgery. Thoroughly check the surgeon's history with doing the procedure before agreeing to the implants. A skilled surgeon is less likely to commit mistakes during the surgery. 

Since an infection plays a role in the development of bone loss sometimes, it is important that you take the antibiotics prescribed by your dentist following the procedure. 

If you smoke, you need to stop smoking a few weeks before the procedure to lower the chances that you have bone loss. Bones need calcium to remain strong. Your blood helps to transport the calcium to the bones. When you smoke, your blood vessels tend to constrict, which results in reduced calcium for your bones. Over time, you will experience bone loss. Other ways to reduce bone loss include keeping your blood sugar levels under control and practicing good hygiene. If you do grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about wearing a mouthpiece to help prevent it. Since teeth grinding is commonly associated with stress, finding stress relievers such as meditation can help.

Before undergoing a dental implant procedure, talk to your dentist about other ways you can avoid complications.