Dental implants are a fantastic option for missing or damaged teeth. However, one of the most important factors in the success of dental implants is the bone in which we place the implant. That means that before we’ll place a dental implant, we need to perform a thorough examination to check the quality of the bone. This exam includes visual observation, palpitation, measurement, and x-rays.
We’re looking primarily at these two factors:
1. Jawbone Quality
We take a look at the shape of your bone, examining the width and height.
2. Jawbone Density
We use x-rays to gauge the density of the bone, ensuring that there’s the bone quantity is high enough to support an implant for decades.
We are particularly concerned with patients who have the following problems:
Natural bone deficiency – this can be caused by the removal of teeth, possibly several years in the past. Bone loss can occur around the area that a tooth was pulled, and some patients can lose up to 60% of their original bone.
Bone disease – periodontal disease can cause severe bone loss, making it challenging to extract a tooth with enough bone left over to place an implant.
Bone pathology – we examine the area for cysts, tumors, or fragments that would have to be removed before performing a dental implant procedure.
Anatomical issues – we take a close look at all of the anatomical structures in the area that we’re considering to ensure that we don’t place the implant close to sinuses, nerves, or blood vessels.
Some patients also require bone grafting to properly prepare the bone before performing the treatment. In the end, a thorough initial examination enables us to offer dental implants with a high rate of success and patient satisfaction.
If you have any lingering questions about dental implants or if you would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact our team or make an appointment. Our incredible staff will give you the best dental care possible.