Can I Have Dental Implants if I Have Bone Loss?

Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery’s Approach to Bone Loss

Sometimes getting a dental implant with bone loss can be nearly impossible. Implants, like all-on-fours and full-arch implants, are held in place by screws anchored into your jawbone. So, bone loss, especially in the jaw, compromises the foundation of an implant. People with bone loss still have options for getting dental implants. Except bone grafting procedures are often required first. Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery has qualified professionals that can walk you through your options.

Fixing Bone Loss with a Bone Graft

The idea of bone grafting is often scary to new patients at Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery. However, bone grafting is actually a fantastic tool that can improve bone loss. The procedures are very routine and can be performed under sedation so that, as a patient, you can have as comfortable and painless of an experience as possible.

What Is a Dental Implant With Bone Graft?

Dental Implants in areas with bone loss are possible when accompanied by a bone graft. The idea of bone grafting is often intimidating, but most of our dental implant patients are surprised at how quick and painless the procedure turns out to be. At Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery, bone grafting procedures are often combined with Leukocyte – Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF), a new and fascinating technology that makes dental surgery easier both for the patient and the surgeon. L-PRF is applied to surgical wounds to help them heal and to promote the growth of bone, or osteogenesis in an area like the jaw. Typically, a small amount of blood is drawn from a vein (similar to a routine blood draw for lab work) and then spun down in a centrifuge to isolate and concentrate plasma and platelets. These isolated platelets are then placed into a surgical site to promote better healing. Due to the use of the patient’s blood, there is no risk of rejection or an allergic reaction.

The Benefits of Getting Implants Like All-on-Fours

There are numerous benefits to a dental implant over something like affordable dentures. Dental implants can prevent further bone loss and stop facial structure collapse. On top of that, full-arch implants at Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery can restore your bite and allow you to chew evenly again. Our patient’s favorite benefits of dental implants are how natural they look and how easy they are to maintain.

Can I Get My New Teeth in a Day?

One of the biggest concerns for most of our patients is how long it will take to get dental implants. While it is always Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery’s goal to fulfill our patient’s requests, in some cases, bone grafting appointments will be required prior to implant placement. Bone grafting is typically done at the time of the implant placement. There are some circumstances that prevent the implant being placed at the time of the bone graft procedure. A CBCT image will be obtained at your consultation to make this determination. Once the implant has been placed and osseointegration is complete (3 months), an abutment is placed on the implant to connect with the final crown restoration by your general dentist. However, full-arch patients can often walk out of our office with a temporary restoration.

Full-Arch Implants from a Dental Surgery Team You Can Trust

When dealing with dental bone loss, it is vital to have experienced dental professionals like Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery. We can create a plan and make suggestions to maximize the likelihood of a successful implant. In addition to our large team and extensive background, all staff members treat patients with the respect and dignity they deserve. Our patients continually come back to us because they know they can expect quality work and friendly service.