Dental Implants: Why Your Jawbone Needs Them

We provide dental implant as a way to replace missing teeth. This is an excellent solution if you are looking for a dental restoration that is natural-looking and also functions like a natural tooth. If you are considering getting dentures or a dental bridge, these solutions are also effective, though nothing can compare with the strength and durability of an implant. Here is why:

Osseointegration

Osseointegration is what makes dental implants so durable. Implants consist of titanium, a metal that the body perceives as natural matter. Thus, when we insert titanium posts into the jawbone, the bone and metal will fuse together. This means the implant will receive the same level of support from the jawbone as your old root system did. As a result, an implant and the attached crown will have the same strength and functionality as a naturally occurring tooth.

How this impacts your jaw

When one loses a tooth, there is more at stake than one's appearance. Losing teeth can make it difficult to eat, speak clearly, and to smile with confidence. Tooth loss can also hurt one's appearance because of the impact it has on the jawbone. The bone requires stimulation in order to signify to the rest of the body it is being used for its intended purpose. The teeth provide that stimulation to the jawbone. When they fall out, the stimulation is gone, and the body responds by leaching calcium out of the bone to be used in other areas of the body.

As a result, the jaw can begin to shrink in certain areas. This can pose a risk to the remaining teeth and also gives one a sunken appearance. A good portion of the resorption happens the first year after one loses a tooth. This makes it important to replace the teeth as soon as possible and to do so using dental implants when possible.

Since we secure the dental implant to the jawbone, every time one eats, it stimulates the bone. The dental implant provides the same type of stimulation the jawbone receives from a natural tooth. As a result, the dental implant stops the resorption process to preserve both the jaw and appearance. Dental implants are a significant step in preserving one's youthful countenance.

The process

If you would like to learn more about dental implants or find out if they are right for you, we encourage you to call and schedule an appointment with our dental office. We will examine you and take X-rays to determine the density of your jawbone and to find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure. If so, we will schedule you for the procedure so the implant(s) can be surgically placed under your gums and secured to your jawbone.

It takes a couple of months for osseointegration to take place, so during this time, you may want to wear a temporary denture. Afterward, we will attach the tooth portion of the implant for a restored and beautiful smile.