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Question:
Implants for Wisdom Teeth? I am 50 years old and have had several missing teeth on both sides of my lower jaw since my mid 20's.
I also have missing molars in my upper jaw with a bad case of receding gums on 2 molars, 1 on each side of the upper jaw. This has been an incredible embarrasment to me my entire adult life.
I have been trying to get my nerve up and finally do something about this, but while surfing this extremely informative site I learned a new word: Atrophy. As if this was not enough, I saw the term bone loss.
Since a large part of my lower jaw has not had teeth in it for at least 25 years, can I still get implants? ...Visitor from FL
Answer:
Thanks for your question regarding bone loss and implants. It is quite true that over time the alveolar resorbs if there is loss of teeth.
The word atrophy applies because when teeth are present, there is a load placed upon the bone via the ligaments that attached the teeth. Without that stimulus the bone resorbs.
A radiographic and clinical examination can determine if there is enough bone present to place implants. If not, it may be possible to augment the boney ridges with bone grafts.
In the upper jaw, the alveolar bone can be increased by means of a sinus lift. The lower jaw is a little more difficult; probably requiring a block graft of bone donated from your hip.
In any event your first step would to get an examination. Hope this has helped somewhat.
Mitchell Pohl, DDS
Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist
2900 N. Military Trail, Suite 105
Boca Raton Florida FL 33431
(561) 368-3440
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