In the U.S.,12.9% of adults 65 and older have lost all their teeth, causing difficulty chewing food, difficulty speaking, and nutritional deficiencies.
Individuals can take steps to prevent tooth loss. However, those dealing with bone and tooth loss can pursue bone and tooth replacement options such as dental bone grafts and dental implant surgery.
Risk factors for tooth loss include the following:
Age: Age increases the risk of tooth loss
Gender: Men are more likely to experience tooth loss than women
Health issues: People with diabetes, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to lose teeth during their lifetime
Lack of dental care: Those who do not see a dentist are more likely to lose their natural teeth
Poor dental health routines: People who do not use a toothbrush are more likely to suffer tooth loss
Smoking: People who smoke have a greater risk of developing cavities andperiodontal disease, which can cause tooth loss
Impact Of Tooth Loss On Bone Density
You must stimulate your jawbone to maintain its strength. This stimulation comes through pressure on the jaw bone, which occurs when you chew and bite food because the force of these actions with your teeth pushes against the bone. However, losing teeth makes it challenging to chew and bite, eliminating the pressure against the jaw bone needed to keep it strong.
Over time, your jaw bone will lose density, which can cause the following issues:
Changes to facial structure
Loose teeth
Pain when chewing
Shifting teeth
The risk of jaw bone density loss also increases if you have gum disease.
Bone Grafting Solutions
Bone grafting is an effective treatment for bone density loss. This is a surgical procedure your oral surgeon can perform in their dental office. It is essential for those planning to get dental implants. The process involves the following steps:
You must have an oral exam and X-rays to confirm bone grafting is an option
Your dentist administers anesthesia to prevent pain during the procedure
Your dentist cuts your gums and cleans the area
Your dentist adds bone grafting material
Your dentist puts your gum tissue back into position and closes the incision
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Managing Surgical Risks
Risks from bone grafting surgery includeinfections, nerve damage, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Your dental care team can reduce the risk of infections by following strict routines, including hand washing, wearing gloves and masks, maintaining a sterile environment, and using sterilized surgical equipment.
Providing your oral surgeon with a detailed medical history can alert them to issues with anesthesia and ensure they select a viable option that won’t cause an allergic reaction.
Bone grafts can fail. The risk increases if you smoke. Increasing pain, pus near the incision area, and gum recession are signs the bone graft failed.
Post-Surgery Recovery
It’s normal for patients to experience the following after bone grafting surgery:
Bruising
Pain
Swelling
You should follow your dental surgeon’s instructions to prevent further pain and infection. Your surgeon may prescribe antibiotics; otherwise, you can use pain relievers to manage your pain.
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Exploring Treatment Alternatives
Those who aren’t candidates for bone grafting can consider zygomatic implants. While bone grafting is a separate procedure from dental implants, and you’ll need to schedule yourdental implant surgery in Las Vegas on a different date following your recovery, zygomatic implants simultaneously address bone and tooth loss. These implants are longer and compensate for bone loss while providing tooth replacement.
Book A Dental Exam To Discuss Your Bone And Tooth Replacement Options
Absolute Dental’s team is here to assess your oral health, explain treatment options, and help you get the dental care you need. Looking forLas Vegas dental care without insurance? We offer aSmile Saver program for uninsured patients, as well asspecial offers and financing options so you can afford the treatment you need to prevent or address bone and tooth loss.
Absolute Dental is a preferred provider for most insurances, unions, and hotels that include: Aetna, Ameritas, Boon-Chapman, Caesars Palace, Cigna, Delta Dental, Diversified, Geha, Guardian, Harrah’s, HealthSCOPE Benefits, Health Plan of Nevada (HPN), Humana, Liberty, Met-Life, MGM-MIRAGE, Premier Access, The Standard, Station Casinos, Teachers Health Trust, United Concordia, United Healthcare, Venetian, and The Zenith. We also accept Medicaid.
If you do not see your dental insurance listed here, just give us a call to confirm!
At Absolute Dental, we’re proud to provide comprehensive dental care to families across Las Vegas. Whether you’re in need of teeth cleaning, cosmetic dentistry, braces, or pediatric dental care, we’ve got you covered. From general care to emergency dental services, we’re here to help you and your loved ones maintain healthy, beautiful smiles, with convenient locations in your neighborhood.
Reattaching a tooth lost in an accident may be possible. However, it isn’t possible to reverse tooth loss from advanced cavities. If you address a cavity in the early stages, before it reaches the dentin, using fluoride or fillings, then the tooth can be saved.
Recovery usually takes seven to 14 days after bone grafting. You may recover from tooth implant surgery in a few days, but it may take a few weeks if you have multiple implants.
Those eligible for bone grafting and dental implants should generally be healthy. Pregnancy, diabetes, and cancer are some reasons a patient may not be eligible. Smoking may also be a reason oral surgery isn’t an option.
