How Implants Prevent Bone Loss
Bellevue, WA
 Tooth loss is a huge concern for adults. Whether it occurs due to gum disease, tooth decay, or an accident, tooth loss not only makes patients more conscious about their smile, but it also causes bone loss, shifting of teeth, and change in a person’s facial appearance. However, the biggest issue caused by long-term tooth loss is the loss of jawbone tissue. The reason behind this is that jawbone tissue loss can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of place and even result in further tooth loss.
One of the best ways to handle your lost teeth is by replacing them with dental implants. Not only do implants improve the aesthetics and appearance of your smile by restoring your teeth, but they also restore the functionality of your teeth.
How Does Tooth Loss Cause Bone Loss?The jawbone maintains its structure through stimulation of the teeth that occurs as a result of constant movement in the form of biting and chewing. The regular movement of the jawbone encourages it to grow and support existing teeth. Tooth loss lowers the amount of stimulation the jawbone receives, causing it to lose its height, width, shape, and volume. This eventually impacts your facial appearance by making it look sunken in. How Can Dental Implants Prevent Tooth Loss?Dental implants are very effective when it comes to replacing missing teeth and reducing the chances of bone loss. Even though there are many other tooth restoration methods, implants imitate our natural tooth root as they are surgically embedded in our jawbone, making them a long-lasting solution for missing teeth.
Once an implant is surgically placed in the jawbone, you have to wait for a few weeks or months for the jawbone to grow around the implant through a process known as osseointegration. This binds the implant with the jaw and strengthens the foundation for the replacement tooth, allowing your mouth to carry out the same functions as before. Implants allow you to bite and chew just like before, returning the stimulation back to your jawbone. What If You Already Have Significant Bone Loss?To get dental implants, you need to have a certain level of jawbone to ensure sufficient support. However, it is quite natural for a person to experience bone loss in case of long-term tooth loss. In such cases, if a person lacks sufficient jawbone, they can, luckily, have bone grafting done. Bone grafting procedures help rebuild parts of the jaw to ensure that there is enough density to support implants. Am I a Candidate for Dental Implant Surgery?To become a viable candidate for dental implants, one must have good overall health. Another requirement to become a dental implant patient is to have good oral health - good gums and teeth. Also, those who are chronic smokers may have to quit smoking before and after their surgery for a few weeks or months to minimize any complications. Schedule an Appointment
If you’re searching for a great and experienced dentist for a consultation, A Smiling Heart Dentistry is here for you! Call us at (425) 558-9998 to book your appointment.
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