Creating A Perfect Smile Creating A Perfect Smile

Missing teeth can lead to the deterioration of the jawbone through a process called bone resorption. When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone that once supported the tooth root is no longer stimulated by chewing forces. As a result, the body recognizes that the bone is no longer needed to support a tooth, and it begins to resorb or break down the bone tissue. One of the best ways to deal with a missing tooth is a dental implant. Read on and find out what a dental implant can do to remedy your jawbone deterioration.  

How Dental Implants Help With Bone Loss

A missing tooth is unattractive but also very harmful to the bones in the lower part of your face. A firm jaw looks better than a sagging jaw. Here is how an implant works wonders when it comes to missing teeth side effects:

Stimulation of the Jawbone

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. The implant provides the necessary stimulation to the jawbone when chewing forces are applied, just like a natural tooth root. This stimulation helps to preserve the bone and prevent or minimize further bone resorption. That means implants not only appear natural, but they also fool your body as well. 

Load-Bearing Function

Dental implants are designed to support a dental restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. The restoration is securely attached to the implant, creating a stable and functional replacement tooth. By distributing chewing forces to the surrounding jawbone, dental implants help to maintain bone density and prevent the loss of bone volume.

Preservation of Facial Structure

Jawbone deterioration due to missing teeth can result in changes to the facial structure over time. The loss of bone can lead to a sunken appearance, sagging of the facial muscles, and a prematurely aged look. Dental implants help preserve the natural shape and contours of the face by preventing bone loss and maintaining adequate bone support.

It's important to note that dental implants require enough healthy jawbone tissue to support their placement. In cases where significant bone loss has already occurred, additional procedures such as bone grafting may be necessary to build up the bone volume before implant placement.

Consult with a dental professional to find out more about dental implants. They can help you determine if you are a candidate for dental implant surgery.