There is more to losing a tooth than just a space in your smile. Bone loss is a stealthy process that starts under the surface and can have serious long-term effects on your dental health and even your facial shape. Fortunately, dental implants, a potent treatment available in modern dentistry, not only restore lost teeth but also actively work to stop this bone resorption.
How Do Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss?
Dental implants go one step further by replacing the tooth root itself, in contrast to other tooth replacement methods like dentures or bridges that just replace the visible component of the tooth. A strong and secure foundation that replicates the function of a normal tooth root is created over time when the bone actually bonds directly to the titanium surface through a process known as osseointegration. The secret to how dental implants stop bone loss is osseointegration. Here’s how:
- Stopping Resorption: Dental implants effectively tell the body that the bone in that location is still important and should be preserved by giving the body this constant stimulation. This stops or considerably slows down the process of bone resorption.
- Direct Stimulation: The implant functions similarly to a real tooth root after it is incorporated into the jawbone. The pressures when you bite and chew are transferred to the surrounding bone through the implant, giving it the stimulation it needs to remain strong and healthy.
- Supporting Adjacent Teeth: A stable dental implant keeps the neighboring teeth in their correct alignment, keeping them from moving into the vacant area.
- Preserving Facial Structure: Dental implants help to preserve your face’s natural contours by maintaining the volume and density of your jawbone, which helps to avoid the sunken-in look that comes with tooth loss.
What are the Consequences of Untreated Bone Loss?
Bone resorption can result in a number of other issues after tooth loss, including:
- Your facial muscles are supported by your jawbone. Your cheekbones and lips may start to recede when bone loss takes place, giving your face a less defined and prematurely aged appearance.
- When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth may move and tilt into the empty area left by the bone loss, which can result in misalignment and issues with the bite.
- The integrity of the remaining teeth may be jeopardized, and it may become more challenging to speak and chew food correctly due to the decreased bone volume.
- The remaining teeth may be more susceptible to loosening and eventual loss if the jawbone is weakened because it becomes less stable.
- The gum tissue in the region may recede as the underlying bone support deteriorates, exposing more of the tooth root and making the area more sensitive.
Ending Note!
Restoring the appearance and functionality of your smile is not the only reason to choose dental implants to replace lost teeth. Additionally, it’s a proactive investment in the long-term integrity and health of your mandible. Dental implants give the vital stimulation required to stop bone loss, preserve your facial structure, and promote your general oral health.
If you wish to inquire more about dental implants, consult our experts at Lake Elsinore Dentistry. Call us today at (951) 579-1010 to book an appointment.