When we lose our existing teeth, either by being pulled or naturally, we may start to lose jawbone. These bone losses are called jaw bone atrophy.
What are the Causes of Jaw Bone Loss?
After tooth extraction, the jawbone naturally melts. So, the jawbone gap caused by melting should be filled with a load to prevent jawbone loss. This body mechanism is very similar to the phenomenon of thinning of our broken arm and leg bones after plastering. Losing jawbone can be controlled with a particular implant.
One of the essential factors that cause jaw bone loss is Cyst and Tumor-like formations. Also, habits such as teeth clenching or grinding can cause sore jawbone, resulting in upper or lower jawbone loss. Also, an infected jawbone or widespread infection in maximal or mandible teeth can cause bone loss.
How is Jaw Bone Loss Treated?
Jawbone loss is treated with Box Technique with the grafts and membrane applications brought from bone banks abroad. It is a long treatment process that has been used for many years.
Thanks to the Box technique, the dentist could control the bone loss, and then the bone becomes suitable for prostheses by applying an implant.
How Long Does It Take To Lose Jawbone?
After tooth extraction, the bone surrounding the root begins to dissolve rapidly. Jawbone loss is the fastest in the 6-12 months. It then continues at a slower pace.
Which Treatments Are Used For Jawbone Loss?
In cases of severe bone atrophy,
- Box Technique,
- All On 4 Implant,
- A cheekbone (Zygomatic Implant) implant can be applied.
Nowadays, procedures such as taking bone from the hip and placing it to the jaw are not practiced like they used to.
Can You Get an Implant After Jaw Bone Loss?
To patients with jaw bone loss, an implant can be applied as long as enough jawbone is left.
How Long Does The Jaw Bone Loss Treatment Take?
If treatment with the box technique is applied to the patients with jaw bone atrophy, the average duration of treatment varies between 6 – 12 months.
With the All on 4 Treatment, the treatment duration varies between 3 and 6 months in implant application.
Cheek implant application can only be applied in the upper jawbone and the treatment period is between 3 and 6 months.