If you’ve lost teeth or have recently broken one of your teeth, dental implants in Rochester may be the solution you’ve been searching for. The dental implant process is a revolutionary treatment that gives you one or more teeth that feel and function like natural teeth.
However, before considering implant dentistry, you must consider a vital factor: bone density. Healthy bones are crucial to the dental implant procedure, and understanding why that is the case is essential for anyone wanting durable, natural-looking replacement teeth.
What Is Bone Density?
In dentistry, bone density refers to the quality and strength of the jawbone. The jawbone supports the teeth and helps you speak and chew normally. But when it begins to lose density, it creates a lack of stability in the jaw and teeth.
A loss of bone density can happen at any age, and it is most often associated with the following factors:
- Gum disease
- Tooth loss
- Poor oral hygiene
- Natural aging process
- Gender
- Family history
Patients with osteoporosis, for instance, may have reduced bone density, which may require them to have additional bone grafting procedures prior to implant placement.[1]
In any case, addressing the causes of bone loss can help preserve and maintain healthy bones, and routine visits with a periodontist can help you create a plan to address these factors.
Why Bone Health Is Crucial for Dental Implants in Rochester
Dental implants in Rochester are designed to hold and support a custom artificial tooth, like a crown, bridge, or denture. When the titanium implant is placed, it fuses with the jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. Dental implants are, therefore, intended to be a long-term tooth replacement option, often lasting decades, even a lifetime. However, that can’t happen without a healthy jawbone.
The quality and quantity of the jawbone determine how well the process goes. For the procedure to be successful, the jawbone must have adequate density levels to support the metal post. If it is too weak, the implant may fail to integrate properly and won’t withstand the force placed on it when you bite and chew.
Evaluating Bone Density
Before implant surgery, your periodontist will evaluate the density of your jawbone. They will gather information using various methods, including visual examination, X-rays, and CT scans if necessary.[2]
For some patients, these evaluations reveal poor bone density. One approach to improve bone density is bone grafting, a surgical treatment done before implant placement. Graft bone material is placed into the site to help rebuild the bone. After the grafting site heals, you’ll have another assessment to determine whether it increased bone density enough to improve your chances of success with dental implants.
Preventing Bone Density Loss
You don’t need fancy tools or expensive treatment to combat bone loss. Simply making some adjustments to your diet can make a difference. What you eat impacts your overall oral health and can contribute to healthy bone density.
One of the most effective things you can do at home is to increase your calcium intake by incorporating calcium-fortified foods, such as almonds, chia seeds, beans, and lentils. These are all calcium-rich snacks that can boost calcium levels.
Along with calcium, it’s best to increase your vitamin D consumption, as it helps your body absorb calcium.[3] Some foods to try include salmon, tuna, and red meat.
Finally, developing a good home oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing for four minutes twice daily and flossing twice daily, contributes to maintaining healthy bones and jaw structure. Follow up your home care routine with regular dental to monitor your jawbone health. Early detection ensures these issues are treated promptly to avoid letting bone loss progress.
Experienced Bone Health Experts in Rochester, NY
Dental implants are a safe and effective way to restore your smile, but they need a strong support system. At Dental Implants and Periodontal Health of Rochester, our experienced team provides the highest-quality care and prioritizes bone health. Call our team today at 585-534-3346 for more information about dental implants or bone grafting. Being proactive about your bone health can make a difference in your oral health!
Sources:
[1] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221917615_Bone_Quality_Assessment_for_Dental_Implants
[2] https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/calcium-and-vitamin-d-important-bone-health
[3] https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/calcium-and-vitamin-d-important-bone-health
