If you’ve had dental implants, you might wonder what happens if the bone around them starts to weaken or disappear. This condition is called “implant bone loss,” and while it can be concerning, there are effective ways to treat it. Understanding the causes and treatments can help you maintain a healthy smile.
What Causes Implant Bone Loss
Implant bone loss can occur for a few reasons, mainly due to an infection called periimplantitis or issues with previous bone grafts. Periimplantitis is an infection that causes the bone around your implant to deteriorate, while issues with previous bone grafts, especially those using cadaver bone, can lead to poor bone health over time.
How is Implant Bone Loss Treated?
Why Early Treatment is Important
Catching and treating implant bone loss early is crucial for preventing further complications. However, it’s essential to recognize the difference between bone loss caused by periimplantitis and bone loss due to previous cadaver bone grafts. Bone loss from periimplantitis requires immediate cleaning and bone regeneration, while bone loss associated with cadaver bone grafts can be more complex. Misdiagnosis can occur if a clinician is unfamiliar with the sclerotic bone formed by these grafts. Utilizing science-based bone grafts can effectively treat this type of bone loss, promoting long-term stability.
This blog post was summarized from an article intended for a professional audience of clinicians with a science and/or medical background. Read the original article here:
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American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS)
American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)