How Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss?

Loss of teeth is definitely a problem. Not only does it make patients feel conscious about their smile, but it severely impacts jawbone growth, leads to shifting of teeth, and even ends up changing the patient's facial appearance.

The best way to take care of your lost teeth is to replace it with dental implants. Dental implants are offering patients the best remedy for their lost teeth, thereby helping to restore oral health and function. Dr. Root offers patients with dental implants in the Vero Beach area to help patients restore missing teeth.

How does loss of teeth lead to loss of bone?

The jawbone maintains its structure and form by receiving surface stimulation as the patient bites and chews. Regular jawbone mobility encourages the bones to grow, rebuild, and support existing teeth. When teeth get removed from its socket, it minimizes jawbone stimulation, reducing its width, height, volume, and shape. This ultimately affects facial posture and overall appearance. 

How can dental implants prevent loss of teeth?

Implants are extremely effective when it comes to replacing missing teeth and preventing the chances of bone loss. They are different from other methods of restoring teeth as they imitate our natural tooth roots. Dental implants can be surgically embedded into the jawbone and restorations such as crowns, bridges, dentures, etc would be attached to it. 

Upon placing the implant, the jawbone would eventually grow around it through a process called osseointegration. As the implant begins to function as a natural root, the jawbone would be able to carry out functions of the mouth like before. 

What happens if you are already suffering from a significant bone loss?

It's natural for patients to experience a significant degree of atrophy if they have been suffering from long-term bone loss. However, it is also possible to replace such missing teeth given that a bone graft is performed to support the new implant.

How do you know if you are a candidate for dental implant surgery?

A dental implant procedure is a surgical process and would require the candidate to be in good oral health, i.e have good gums and teeth. Patients who are chronic smokers may also be advised to quit smoking prior to surgery that'd help minimize recovery duration and other complications. 

For further details and other queries on dental implant placement, process, and recovery request an appointment with Dr. Root at Vero Beach, FL. Call our office at 772-569-0123 or request an appointment online.