Implantology is a modern branch of dental medicine that allows for the complete restoration of lost teeth. In most cases, the location of the absence and the cause of the problem are irrelevant: it is possible to restore the beauty of the smile and the functionality of the dental arch.
However, there are situations that can complicate dental implantation. Among them, the most significant is bone atrophy (bone loss), which makes it impossible to securely anchor the dental implant. Let’s discuss in detail how a dental implant is placed in such cases and whether the cost of the procedure changes.
Why Does Bone Atrophy Occur?
There are several reasons why the volume of bone tissue decreases. These include genetic predisposition, prolonged lack of stress on the teeth, and past injuries. Atrophy can also be caused by age-related changes and untreated gum inflammation.
The causes, in fact, are secondary; the most important question is the possibility of placing an implant at all. Since the titanium post is integrated into the bone, what happens when there is insufficient tissue? While dental clinics previously performed preliminary “bone augmentation” via a surgical procedure, this step remains the standard treatment for pronounced bone deficiency today. However, modern alternatives exist that allow implants to be placed in certain cases without complex grafting.
What is Bone Grafting (Bone Plastic)?
In the context of dentistry, grafting refers to increasing the tissue volume using one of three methods:
- Bone block grafting: Involving the implantation of bone blocks and filling the damaged areas with donor or the patient’s own (autogenous) tissue.
- Medicinal stimulation: Using medicinal growth factors to stimulate bone tissue regeneration (less common than grafting).
- Sinus Lift: A procedure where the floor of the maxillary sinuses is raised, and the resulting space is filled with special grafting material.
Modern techniques such as Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) and the placement of short implants are also used today, which in some cases help avoid extensive bone augmentation.
How is Implantation Performed Without Grafting?
If bone grafting is not feasible (for instance, due to individual contraindications), the titanium rod can be implanted without this preliminary stage. In some cases, one of the following methods may be used:
- Plate Implantation (less common): Using a T-shaped post that is anchored in the deep layer of the bone tissue.
- Subperiosteal Implantation (rare): Fixing the post outside the periosteum (the membrane covering the bone).
However, it is crucial to note that these methods are used significantly less often and have narrower indications compared to classic two-stage implantation with bone grafting.
Modern alternatives also include short implants, Zygoma implants for the upper jaw, and the All-on-4 / All-on-6 protocols for complete edentulism (full tooth loss).
Only the treating physician can choose the appropriate option based on examination and diagnostic data. In any case, the absence of teeth, even complete, can be corrected: modern dentistry has the potential to restore function and aesthetics both with and without surgical intervention. The dentist may suggest placing removable or fixed prostheses, or crowns made of ceramic, metal-ceramic, or zirconia.
How to Prevent Bone Atrophy?
Preventing any disease is always easier than treating it. Bone atrophy is no exception. In many cases, adherence to simple rules is enough to minimize its risk:
- For early detection: Visit the dentist in a timely manner, at least twice a year.
- For decay prevention: Regularly undergo professional cleaning and maintain hygienic procedures at home.
- To reduce future costs: Seek expert attention as quickly as possible if a tooth is lost.
- For atrophy prevention: Treat inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity (such as periodontitis).
- To improve general body condition: Control the levels of vitamins (especially A, D, and E) and minerals.
- Maintain normal chewing load by restoring missing units promptly, as the loss of teeth, and not soft food, is the main cause of atrophy.
Prevention is always a complex set of measures, each of which is important. Only a dentist can choose the correct direction and formulate individual recommendations.
