Dental Implants and Bone Health: What You Need to Know

Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth, but their success depends on the health of your jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone can begin to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. This process, known as bone resorption, can weaken the jaw over time, making it more difficult to support an implant.

To ensure a strong foundation for single tooth dental implants or an all-on-x implant prosthetic for full mouth rehabilitation, bone health is crucial. Patients with significant bone loss may require a bone graft—a procedure that rebuilds and strengthens the jawbone—before implant placement. Factors that impact bone health include age, osteoporosis, gum disease, and overall oral hygiene.

If you’re considering dental implants, your dentist will evaluate your bone density using advanced 3D imaging techniques. If significant bone loss is detected, treatment options like grafting or sinus lifts can help restore the necessary support for implants.

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement because they do more than restore your smile—they actively support jawbone health. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implant posts integrate with the bone, mimicking natural tooth roots and stimulating the jaw to prevent bone loss. This makes them an ideal long-term solution for maintaining both function and facial structure. 

hWhether you’re missing a single tooth or are struggling with a full mouth of missing or failing teeth, contact Innovative Dental in Springfield, MO today. Our providers can put together a custom implant treatment plan to help protect your bone health for years to come.