Every tooth is invaluable for a healthy, functional smile. Losing even one tooth can have detrimental consequences for your oral health. Your self-esteem isn’t the only thing to suffer from tooth loss. Your jawbone can also deteriorate from lacking a tooth root. Whether you’re missing one tooth or all your teeth, you have several options to fill the gaps in your smile, but only one treatment preserves your jawbone. Here’s how you can stop bone loss by investing in dental implants.
Missing Teeth Cause Bone Loss
Losing a tooth can cause your jawbone to shrink by up to 25% within the first year. It will continue to deteriorate as time passes because there’s no root stimulating your bone. As you lose bone density, you have an increased risk of several complications, like cavities, gum disease, and additional missing teeth. Not to mention, the shape of your face will change, making you look years older.
Dentures Don’t Stop Bone Loss
Traditional bridges, partials, and full dentures have been used for generations to replace lost teeth. Although they are affordable and effective, they only mimic the portions of teeth above the gum line. Therefore, they do nothing for bone loss. However, they can slow dental drift and restore a beautiful, functional smile.
Dental Implants Preserve Bone Density
A dental implant is the only method of replacing lost teeth that stops bone loss because it rebuilds the tooth from the root up. A titanium post is surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as a root. This encourages new bone growth, allowing your jaw to fuse to it through a process called osseointegration. You’ll benefit from unmatched support and stability to enjoy a solution that looks and feels natural.
After your jawbone has healed, an abutment is placed on the post to connect a custom-made restoration. If you’re replacing an entire arch, 4-10 dental implants can be used to anchor your denture in place. You’ll never need to worry about slipping and irritation.
You’ll keep your jaw healthy to prevent common issues caused by missing teeth. You’ll enjoy reduced oral health expenses and a long-lasting solution. Dental implants have over a 95% success rate and are proven to last for decades, so you won’t have to budget to have your dentures relined or replaced.
If you’re ready to treat your missing teeth, invest in the only solution to preserve your jawbone. You’ll look and feel your best with implant dentures.
About Dr. Jonathan Montoya
Dr. Montoya earned his dental degree at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and he continues his training regularly to provide advanced services, like implant dentistry. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the International Congress of Implantology and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (904) 746-4069.