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Why does the jawbone rapidly deteriorate when a tooth is lost?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director Ryu Seong-hoon explained that \u201cthere are two main reasons why teeth are lost.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first reason is when dental caries progress all the way to the root, and the second is when periodontal disease gradually causes the jawbone to deteriorate. When tartar and inflammation persist for a long time, the supporting bone weakens, the tooth becomes loose, and extraction eventually becomes necessary.
When a tooth is extracted due to severe decay, the surrounding bone is usually relatively healthy. However, when a tooth is removed because of periodontal disease, the jawbone has already been significantly lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The problem is that once a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone loses its function and is rapidly resorbed. In fact, \u201cwithin just three months, about 50% of the jawbone can disappear.\u201d
This is similar to how an arm in a cast becomes thinner because the muscles are not being used. When a structure is not functioning, both muscles and bone naturally decrease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The alveolar bone also loses its function once a tooth is gone and is rapidly resorbed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Problems that arise when tooth loss is left untreated<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If tooth loss is left untreated for a long time, it becomes far more than just \u201cmissing one tooth.\u201d Over time, a series of problems begin to occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Adjacent teeth tilt into the empty space, causing collapse of the dental arch<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The opposing tooth moves downward or upward into the empty space, causing occlusal imbalance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reduced chewing ability leads to digestive problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Changes in pronunciation and air leakage while speaking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Changes in facial contours (deepening of nasolabial folds, sunken areas around the mouth)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The implant placement space becomes narrower, increasing the difficulty of the surgery<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bone loss in the jaw increases the cost of bone grafting
In other words, tooth loss leads to progressively worsening problems over time, so it is important to establish a treatment plan as early as possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
So, why is bone grafting for implants important?<\/p>\n\n\n\nMany patients wonder, \u201cDo I really need a bone graft when getting an implant?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although the cost can be significant, Director Ryu Seong\u2011hoon emphasizes that \u201cbone grafting is the key to implant success.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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An implant is structured to be anchored into the jawbone like a screw. Therefore, the bone must be strong for the implant to stabilize properly, allowing a prosthesis to be placed on top so even hard foods can be chewed without difficulty. \u201cThe stability of an implant is like driving a nail into a wall.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nA nail holds firmly in a solid concrete wall, but it comes out easily from a weak one. Likewise, if the jawbone is weak, the implant\u2019s stability decreases and its lifespan becomes shorter.
Therefore, if the jawbone is insufficient or the bone quality is weak, a bone graft is essential to create a strong foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kdoctorinterview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Copilot_20260521_115644-1-1024x502.png\")
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How do we choose the right bone graft material?<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe selection of bone graft materials is determined by the specialist.
Bone graft materials are not chosen by the patient; they are determined by the specialist after a precise evaluation of the jawbone condition.
The criteria for selecting bone graft materials are as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n- \n
- The current amount and thickness of the jawbone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bone quality (density and hardness)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Resorption rate and structural stability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The required amount of bone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The extent of the surgical area and the expected healing speed<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The patient\u2019s overall systemic health condition
In other words, it\u2019s not about simply saying \u201cthis material is better,\u201d but about the specialist determining and selecting the most suitable combination of materials for each patient. \nMain types of bone graft materials used
1. Autogenous bone (patient\u2019s own bone)
Using the patient\u2019s own bone provides the highest success and integration rate. However, because bone harvesting is required, the surgical area may become larger.
2. Allogeneic bone (donor human bone)
It is a processed material derived from human donor bone, offering stability and widespread clinical use.
3. Xenogeneic bone (animal-derived bone)
It is a bone graft material derived from bovine or porcine sources, known for its excellent shape retention and frequent clinical use.
4. Synthetic bone graft (artificial bone substitute)
It is a synthetic material with high safety and adjustable resorption rates.
In most cases, two or more materials are combined, and the choice varies depending on the specialist\u2019s experience and the patient\u2019s condition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cases where the implant is placed immediately after extraction and cases where healing time is allowed before placement<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn the past, it was common to wait at least 3 to 4 months after extraction before placing an implant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, with advancements in techniques and materials, immediate implant placement has now become possible.
\u201cIf the bone is firm and of good quality after extraction, an implant can be placed immediately.\u201d
The primary stability of an implant can be mechanically measured during surgery, and an ideal value is around 35 N\u00b7cm. \nWhen this level is achieved, immediate placement is possible and stable outcomes can be expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\nImmediate implant placement shortens the treatment period and reduces patient discomfort, but it is only possible when the bone condition is sufficiently strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTooth loss is not simply the loss of a single tooth; it is a complex process that leads to gum bone resorption \u2192 collapse of dental alignment \u2192 facial changes \u2192 increased implant difficulty. Therefore, if a tooth is lost, it is important to establish a treatment plan as early as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n(Implant placement procedure)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn implant treatment, bone grafting is not optional but an essential step for success. \nThe choice of graft material is not made by the patient; rather, the specialist determines it by thoroughly analyzing the condition of the jawbone and selecting the most appropriate combination of materials. \nThis professional judgment directly influences the longevity and stability of the implant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The information presented in this article is based on the real clinical experience and explanations of Dr. Ryu Seong-hoon of Korea Balance Dental Hospital. \nIf you are considering treatment for tooth loss or dental implants, we hope his insights help you better understand your oral condition and guide you toward a safer and more accurate treatment plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n