One of the most serious effects of tooth loss is the progressive loss of the supporting structure of the jaw because bone that is not used becomes weaker․ Dental implants are unique among tooth replacements because they replace the missing roots and apply pressure on the jawbone․ If a tooth is absent for several months or years‚ the lack of force causes the body to resorb bone, or move the resources from one spot in the body and move it to another‚ and the volume and density of the area are reduced․ Dental implants interrupt this process․
An implant is a substitute for the root of a tooth missing from the mouth․ The porcelain or titanium implant‚ placed in the jawbone‚ fuses with it‚ providing a firm foundation for replacement teeth․ This allows the implant to act the same way as a natural tooth and to stimulate the bone with chewing and biting to keep it dense and strong․
A major advantage of dental implants over bridges and removable dentures is that they engage the jawbone like your natural teeth․ The bone under a bridge and under a denture continues to shrink away even though a replacement tooth is placed in that area․ Implants preserve the bone because they preserve the natural architecture of the jaw․
Implants slow or halt further clinical bone loss and‚ where bone levels are sufficient‚ teeth on either side of dental implants are less likely to shift and they do not need to drift inwards to occupy the space of lost teeth․ This preserves your bite and lessens the chance of uneven wear and excess shifts in your bite․ Your jaw bone help to give structure to the shape of your face‚ preventing the sunken appearance that comes when bone shrinks․
Dental implants may be used if there is already bone loss, but a bone grafting procedure prior to the implant procedure supplies the required bone for anchoring the implant․ Following placement of the implant‚ this will provide stimulus to the newly restored bone․
Every case is unique‚ and a dentist will need to complete a full exam before determining the best treatment plan․ Through these imaging and clinical evaluations‚ the dentist can determine the condition of your bone‚ and whether you are a good candidate for dental implants․ Other factors considered when treatment is planned include medical health‚ oral hygiene‚ and the presence of gum disease․
Continuing care is important to preserve the benefits of dental implants․ Implant and peri-implant tissues should be maintained with regular dental visits and home care․ The implants themselves are immune to decay‚ but their supporting bone and gums still need to be monitored․
Dental implants can give you a confident smile, but they also prevent bone loss․ As dental implants mimic the root of a tooth, they can preserve the jawbone. You will enjoy better stability and functionality with the implants while the underlying bone stays strong․
If you have more questions about dental bone loss or how addressing it could help you achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see your treatment options for bone loss.
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