Can You Get Implants with Jaw Bone Loss?

Fortunately, there are still techniques available that make implants possible, even with a lack of bone in the jaw. One such option involves the use of zygomatic implants, which can help patients who experience significant bone loss regain their normal quality of life. So, the question remains: can dental implants be placed with bone loss? Yes, you can. However, most of the time, bone will need to be replaced before you can undergo any dental treatment. Serious bone loss will require us to reconsider your implants or to take some additional steps to restore bone.

Zygomatic implants are an alternative to bone grafts for those who want to implant and have severe bone loss. In fact, these implants are fast becoming the standard for those suffering from severe bone loss and unable to use traditional dental implants. The good news is that you may be eligible to receive dental implants even if you have moderate or significant jaw loss. This would have been unheard of in previous generations, but more advanced treatments have made it possible for oral surgeons to use alternative anchoring surfaces or to rebuild lost bone and provide a secure base for dental implants. An ideal candidate for zygomatic implants is a person who needs to replace a missing tooth, but who has experienced severe bone loss and can no longer support a traditional implant.

Even if you've lost all your teeth and noticed that your cheeks begin to sag inward, a sign of jaw bone loss, you may not need a bone graft to support your dental implants. However, gum disease can also cause so much damage to the teeth and jaw underneath, so dental implants are no longer an option. Placing dental implants can be difficult because you may not have enough bone left in your jaw to support the implant. In most cases, gum disease is the main symptom of tooth decay and causes the need for restorations, such as dental implants. Usually, a dentist specializing in implants can work with a patient with jaw bone loss, but bone loss isn't the only factor that determines your candidature for a dental implant.

Zygomatic implants have a longer implant design and are angled to anchor them in the upper jaw and cheekbone.