Missing teeth aren’t just a problem in terms of how your smile looks and your confidence. Over time, dealing with even just one missing tooth can lead to jawbone mass loss.
This is why we recommend replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant. Not only will it provide a natural-looking restoration, but dental implants can also support jawbone health.
Here’s how they can do that:
What Happens to the Jawbone After Losing a Tooth
Every single time you chew your food, you are applying pressure on the jawbone. This helps stimulate the area, which means the bone receives blood flow, which is filled with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Unfortunately, when you lose a tooth, that part of the jawbone can no longer be stimulated. Over time, this area of bone can weaken and eventually go through a resorption process. The bone literally shrinks.
How Do Dental Implants Prevent Bone Resorption?
Dental implants are designed to look and function just like a natural tooth. They are made from 3 distinct elements:
- Metal post
- Abutment
- Dental crown
The metal post is essentially the dental implant’s root. It’s the part of the restoration that gets inserted directly into the jaw. As a result, even if the tooth is artificial, the metal post can help stimulate the jawbone every time you chew, just like a natural tooth.
Other dental reconstruction methods won’t offer this bone stimulation. For instance, a dental bridge can also be used to replace a missing tooth. The bridge only sits on top of the gums and will not add enough pressure to the bone to prevent resorption.
What Happens If You’ve Already Suffered from Bone Loss?
Bone resorption is a slow process, but if you’ve been dealing with missing teeth for several years, it’s likely you’ve lost significant bone mass.
Unfortunately, for the metal post to be successfully inserted, it needs both healthy and plenty of bone mass. Patients with bone loss might need to first get a bone graft procedure, designed to restore mass and bone health.
A bone graft involves taking a piece of healthy bone, usually from another area on the jaw, and attaching it to the area that’s suffered resorption. This kickstarts a healing process, and after around 6 months, you may be a good candidate for dental implant surgery.
Are Dental Implants Right for You? We’ll Help You Find out
Dental implants are a fantastic way to restore both the look and health of your smile, but to know for sure if you’re a good candidate, you should see our Escondido dentist for a consultation.
Based on a thorough assessment of your current condition, Dr. Hope can help you access the proper treatment plan.
To get started, book an appointment at Douglas G. Hope DDS, FAGD online, or call us at (760) 480-8883 for a chat.
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