How Implants Prevent Bone Loss
Sun City West, AZ
 Tooth loss is an important dental concern that occurs in children and adults. Tooth loss not only impacts the appearance of one’s smile, making them feel more self-conscious, but it also affects the functionality of your mouth. Tooth loss makes it difficult to talk and chew, causes bone loss, and leads to the shifting of teeth.
However, the good news is that those experiencing tooth loss can get their tooth restored through dental implants. Implants are one of the most promising tooth restoration options that help restore oral health and function. Most of all, implants provide one of the greatest benefits that other tooth restoration options don’t – bone loss prevention.
We have put together a guide on how dental implants help prevent bone loss, and why bone loss prevention is important for your smile.
How Does Tooth Loss Cause Loss of Bone?
The jawbone requires stimulation to grow, rebuild, and maintain its structure. This stimulation is delivered to the jawbone through the regular movement of your teeth when biting and chewing. The mobility of the jawbone also provides support to your existing teeth. Tooth loss minimizes the stimulation the jawbone receives, leading to loss of width, height, shape, and volume. Not only does this affect the appearance of your face, but it also leads to further tooth loss.
How Do Implants Prevent Loss of Teeth?
Implants are an effective tooth restoration solution that helps replace lost teeth and prevents the chances of bone loss. Dental implants differ from other teeth restoration methods since it imitates the natural tooth roots.
An implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. This metal post bonds with your jawbone through a process known as osseointegration to form a stable foundation for the placement of an artificial tooth. Once osseointegration is successful, the dental implant begins to function like a natural tooth root. This allows your jawbone to carry out functions of the mouth.
What Happens If You Already Have Significant Bone Loss?
Bone loss is a natural consequence of long-term tooth loss. Almost everyone with tooth loss experiences a certain level of jawbone loss. Dental implant surgery does require the patient to have a certain level of jawbone muscle. However, it is still possible to get dental implants even if you have significant bone loss. Patients who match all other conditions to get dental implants can get bone grafting surgery before getting implants.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
To get dental implants, a patient must have good dental and overall health. Healthy gums and teeth increase the chances of dental implant success. Smokers are also recommended to quit smoking before and after their surgery to minimize the duration of recovery and counter other complications.
All in all, dental implants are the most effective permanent tooth restoration procedure that helps prevent bone loss.
If you are looking for a dentist or a prosthodontist to get dental implants or any other dental procedure, call us at (623) 738-2639 to book an appointment at our clinic Frank W. Sallustio DDS, MS, FACP.
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