Maintaining jaw bone strength after tooth loss

The consequences of tooth loss

Often, patients who have experienced tooth loss are not aware of the potential consequences – bone loss. Because of this, many choose to wear a removable prosthesis for a number of years, without considering the potential benefits of another option. Many will adapt to using a removable denture, for example, accepting the decrease in function as part of the solution. However, patients should be made aware of the risk of bone loss, following the loss of a tooth, and other options should be discussed each time they visit their dental team to keep them informed. [ii]

Dental implants, for example, are able to prevent bone loss and help to maintain the surrounding hard and soft tissues. Because of this, they are often a great long-term solution for tooth loss, without the need to compromise on function and aesthetics.[iii] They are a fantastic choice for many patients, including those who may have previously accepted poorer function and aesthetics. Discussing the possibility of dental implants with your patients will allow them to explore all the possibilities for treatment.

Bone preservation in dental implant treatment

This being said, there are a number of factors which contribute to the success of dental implant treatment, and it is important to use the correct placement techniques for each case to maintain sufficient bone height. The preservation of bone height during placement is crucial for the long-term survival of the implant. Maximising the bone during placement is essential, especially as research suggests that bone loss during the first year averages 1.2mm, with 0.05-0.13mm per year in the following years.[iv] Research shows that limiting radiographic marginal bone loss to below 0.5mm six months after loading is beneficial for implant success.[v]

It is important to keep crestal bone loss to an absolute minimum, monitoring patients closely and ensuring the site is clean. This is particularly important as bone loss can encourage the accumulation of bacteria, in turn causing peri-implantitis. This can go on to result in further bone loss, without appropriate intervention, creating a vicious cycle. Because of this, any treatment plans must be designed with bone health in mind, being sure to minimise any negative impact.[vi]

Value of versatility in implant dentistry

By accommodating the needs of each clinical scenario, dentists are able to minimise the negative impact of implant placement on the surrounding tissues. Whether the case requires immediate loading, short treatment times, or a minimally invasive approach, it is important to provide appropriate treatment in any case. Because of this, clinicians should have the necessary equipment on hand to provide the best care to their patients. High-quality dental implant systems are available which are versatile, and able to accommodate the needs of a range of patient requirements. And, clinicians should ensure they have the correct skills to be able to provide the treatment needed in each scenario.

Anthogyr, part of the Straumann Group, believes that ‘bone is gold’. Which is why the Axiom X3^® implant system is designed to accommodate minimally invasive and flexible drilling protocols. This innovative implant system allows you to save 52% of bone when compared to a classic protocol.[vii] Able to facilitate short and immediate treatments, the Axiom X3^® is designed to save chair time, while answering a diverse range of clinical indications.

For many patients, dental implant treatment is ideal for restoring excellent function and aesthetics, while also helping to prevent jaw bone loss. It is crucial to provide patients with all the options, in the event that they lose a tooth. Sometimes, patients may assume that other options, such as removable or fixed bridges are the best option, without understanding the consequences these options can have for their bone health. Reassure patients about the implant procedure, and ensure you are able to confidently provide them with the correct care, to minimise any negative effects that implant placement could have on their tissue health, monitoring them closely in the years to come.

For more information about the AxiomX3^® from Anthogyr,

visit https://www.straumann.com/content/anthogyr

[i] Jivraj, S., and W. Chee. “Rationale for dental implants.” British dental journal 200.12 (2006): 661-665.

[ii] Jivraj, S., and W. Chee. “Rationale for dental implants.” British dental journal 200.12 (2006): 661-665.

[iii] Jivraj, S., and W. Chee. “Rationale for dental implants.” British dental journal 200.12 (2006): 661-665.

[iv] Prasad, D. Krishna, et al. “Crestal bone preservation: a review of different approaches for successful implant therapy.” Indian Journal of Dental Research 22.2 (2011): 317.

[v] Galindo‐Moreno, Pablo, et al. “Early marginal bone loss around dental implants to define success in implant dentistry: A retrospective study.” Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research 24.5 (2022): 630-642.

[vi] Prasad, D. Krishna, et al. “Crestal bone preservation: a review of different approaches for successful implant therapy.” Indian Journal of Dental Research 22.2 (2011): 317.

[vii] Straumann, Anthogyr. In soft bone average of 52% of bone preserved compared to Axiom® REG protocol – internal test.