Losing a tooth can be quite stressful, and this is one reason why individuals will go out of their way to have lost teeth replaced. Dental implants are sometimes suggested by implant dentistry specialists, but you will need to go through some evaluations before you are prepped for the implant procedure. These evaluations include looking at the quality and quantity of the bone along the jaw. Keep reading to understand what these evaluations investigate.

Bone Quality

Bone quality is one of the most important aspects when it comes to investigating whether or not the jaw is able to accept the dental implant device. Bone quality is described as the jaw's ability to remain strong and able to resist fractures when stress is placed on the bone. Quality is not only important when it comes to the implant operation itself, but also for the healing process afterward.

So how is quality determined? Well, your dental professional will look at the general makeup of the bone when determining quality. He will investigate things like microscopic openings in the bone, past and present fractures, and stress cracks. Also, the bone is examined for its content and whether there is a high mineral quality and a good deal of collagen. Collagen specifically is the building block for a lot of the tissues in the body. It is needed in times of repair, like after an operation.

Bone quality is often established with the use of x-ray imaging where the bone can be thoroughly examined. 

Bone Quantity

Bone quantity is another important aspect that your dentist will investigate. Quality is used to describe how much bone is present. So the professional will look at possible bone loss issues and will see how deep the bone is in relation to the natural teeth. If bone loss is noted, then your records may be examined to see how long this loss has been occurring. Quick bone loss over a shorter period of time may indicate an issue like osteoporosis or gum disease that needs to be explored before surgery can be completed.

Bone density must be established as well, and this means that your dental professional must look at how the minerals are packed together. In other words, the professional wants to know if there are many or few openings between the mineral compounds that make up the bone. 

If bone density is an issue, then your dental professional may suggest a bone graft, and there are several grafting options that will be explained to you.