How To Get Dental Implants When You Have A Small Jawbone
When you want dental implants but you have a small jawbone, you need to know your options. You can either strengthen the bone or choose another implant type that works best for your mouth. By understanding these options, it will be easier for you to choose the right one for you dental implant procedure:
Mini Implants
When your jawbone is small and healthy, your first option is to get mini implants. These implants look just like their counterparts, but the screw that goes into the bone is smaller. Typically, these implants are best suited for frontal teeth such as incisors, because the bone is limited in this portion of your mouth to begin with.
Traditional dental implants have a diameter of 4-5 millimeters, which can be a little too large for some people. The mini implants can range from 1.8 to 2.9 millimeters in diameter, which makes them a better option when you have limited bone mass. Additionally, since a smaller hole is drilled into the bone, it takes less time for the bone and gum line to heal after the procedure.
A mini implant is usually more affordable than a traditional implant. Even though it depends on several factors, the beginning costs for the implant is around $400-$1,200. The price can go higher if you need multiple x-rays, a CT scan or additional dental work before the implant can be placed.
Bone Graft
When you want to replace a molar, your best option is to have a piece of bone grafted onto your jawbone to strengthen it. The bone graft is added to the site to stabilize the bone for a traditional implant when a mini implant is not the best option for your situation.
With this procedure, you have several options for the graft such as cadaver bone or a piece of bone from your hip or thigh. Both of these options are bio-compatible, which means you have less of a chance of rejecting the graft.
However, in some cases, the oral surgeon may recommend a bone graft from a cow or pig to help your body create more bone on its own. Since the animal bone is a foreign substance, your body will naturally break it apart and grow new bone over the site to heal your body. When considering a bone graft, it is best to discuss all of your options with your oral surgeon, so you can choose the best one for your situation.
Whether you are looking to replace one tooth or several teeth with dental implants, you need to know how to combat a small jawbone. By taking some time to look through your options, you can choose the right method for dealing with the smaller bone and getting the implants you want. For more help, or if you have other questions, contact a company like Iowa Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, PC.
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