How Implants Prevent Bone Loss Russellville, AL
Millions of adults around the world suffer from tooth loss. Whether it is due to an infection, tooth decay, or an accident, tooth loss is a common dental concern that makes life difficult for most. Not only does it make it more difficult to eat or talk, but it also impacts your smile, dimming your self-confidence.
One of the biggest concerns related to tooth loss is the loss of jawbone tissue. Long-term tooth loss usually leads to jawbone tissue loss, which causes the surrounding teeth to move out of place, changing a person’s facial structure by making it look more sunken in. While there are many solutions, such as dentures and bridges to replace missing teeth, dental implant placement is the best cosmetic dentistry procedure that helps replace a missing tooth while restoring bone loss.
There are many benefits of implants, including permanent restoration of dental function, improved oral health, and prevention of bone loss.
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How Does Tooth Loss Lead to Bone Loss?
The jawbone retains its shape and density through stimulation, which is provided by the teeth through biting and chewing. The jawbone loses stimulation in the case of tooth loss, causing it to lose height, width, and volume, and the facial structure begins to change as the jawbone loses tissue due to missing teeth.
How Can Dental Implant Treatment Prevent Bone Loss?
Dental implant placement is one of the most effective permanent tooth replacement treatments that helps prevent the loss of jawbone tissue. Dental implants differ from other tooth replacement treatments because they mimic the natural tooth root.
An implant is a small metal post, usually made of titanium that is surgically planted in the jawbone. This implant can be attached to various dental restorations, including bridges and dentures. So, once the implant is placed, the jawbone must grow around it and bind with it in a process called osseointegration. This process goes on for a few weeks.
Once the dental implant bonds with the jawbone, it will act as a natural tooth root, providing the jawbone with the same level of stimulation that natural teeth do.
What If I Already Have Bone Loss?
Many people who suffer from long-term tooth loss have some degree of atrophy of the jawbone. Sufficient jawbone is one of the main conditions of dental implant placement. So, for those who have already lost a considerable amount of jawbone density, dental implants will only be an option if you get a bone graft. A bone graft helps rebuild portions of the jaw to ensure that there is adequate density for dental implant support.
Who Is a Candidate for Implants?
Dental implant placement requires minor surgery, which is done by placing a patient under anesthetics. A dental implant candidate must, therefore, have good overall health. Moreover, to qualify for dental implants, a patient needs to have healthy gums and teeth that are free from periodontal disease or any infections.
Book Your Appointment Now
For more information about dental implants, schedule a consultation with us at Singing River Dentistry. Call us at 256-460-4191 to book a consultation now.
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