Dental Implants Can Stop Bone Loss
Bone loss happens when a bone breaks down and gets absorbed by your body. This happens in the jawbone when a tooth is missing. When the tooth root is no longer in the socket, there is nothing to stimulate the bone. It will immediately start to atrophy as soon as the tooth is gone. It is a gradual process and will not occur overnight. However, the sooner you replace the missing tooth with a dental implant you will prevent further bone loss.
One of the biggest risks of losing a permanent tooth is the risk of bone loss. It will be difficult for your remaining natural teeth, and it will change the entire structure of your face. Jawbone loss will create a sunken look to your face. The most effective and really the only way to prevent this bone loss from occurring is by restoring the gap with a dental implant.
A Simple Definition of a Dental Implant
A dental implant is an artificial tooth and artificial root system your dentist will use to replace a missing tooth. The titanium root is surgically placed into your jawbone where it will osseointegrate, or bond and fuse, with the bone. Once it has bonded to create a stable and solid hold, an abutment, or extension, and an artificial crown will be attached to the top. The dental implant looks and functions just like your natural tooth. The root is made of titanium because it is biocompatible with the tissues of your mouth. The artificial root will now stimulate and keep the jawbone density healthy.
Dental Implants Can Stop Bone Loss
If you have a damaged or decayed tooth that is beyond saving, it is best to replace it with a dental implant as soon as you can after the extraction. After a natural tooth is gone, the jawbone immediately begins to atrophy. The longer you wait, the weaker the jawbone becomes. Once the implant root is placed, the bone will immediately start to bond with the titanium post to create a solid hold. This simply restoration will keep the jaw strong, and it will thrive.
Replacing your missing tooth with a dental implant will prevent bone loss from occurring, therefore allowing your jaw and face to keep its natural shape and appearance. A dental implant literally mimics the function and appearance of a natural tooth. When you have a dental implant placed into the vacated gap, it integrates to your jawbone and stabilize both it and your surrounding teeth. Neighboring teeth like to drift into that gap if not filled. The dental implant provides your jawbone with the constant stress and stimulation it needs to maintain itself. This stimulation is something that a dental bridge solution will not provide. With a dental implant, you keep your jaw healthy and also maintain the structural integrity of all your teeth.
Bone Loss Is Detrimental
If you allow the bone loss in your jawbone, your face and mouth will suffer a variety of consequences. The most obvious is how your appearance will change. As the bone atrophies, the excess skin and muscle start to sag, giving you an aging look. In addition, your gums will begin to shrink, which will put you at greater risk for gum disease. A dental implant will help to prevent these situations from occurring.