Several options are available for replacing severely damaged or lost teeth, but none comes close to dental implants in terms of durability and strength. Dental professionals do an amazing job of customizing them to have the appearance, function, and feel of natural teeth. Perhaps the most outstanding features of dental implants, however, are the benefits they offer for the patient's jawbone.
Unlike other forms of tooth restoration, dental implants replace the complete tooth structure, including the root. The implant is a screw-like metal post that sits inside the jawbone to mimic the tooth’s root. After placement, the bone fuses with the implant to provide a solid foundation for the new dental replacement. When the person chews and applies pressure on the tooth, the implant bears the force, thus stimulating the jawbone.
Other tooth replacement options such as dentures and bridges lie on the gum surface without any root for support. Without the root to stimulate the jawbone after tooth loss, bone resorption or atrophy begins. This causes the bone mass to deteriorate significantly. Patients who are currently wearing dentures can consult their practitioner about getting dental implants to support their restoration. The dentist will evaluate the jawbone to ensure it is healthy enough to support an implant.
Dental implants have many benefits, making them the most preferred method of dental restoration. They are easier to maintain and allow patients to eat regular meals without worrying about the stability of their teeth. Dental implants also help save the jaw in the following ways:
Although the jawbone supports the teeth, the teeth contribute by helping to stabilize and support the jaw. When a tooth is lost, other teeth may start to shift position, disturb normal teeth, change jaw alignment and alter facial appearance. Dental implant restoration averts these complications.
Without stimulation to the jaw, the bone will not only change shape but gradually shrink over time as well. This may cause the mouth and face to appear shrunken and make the person look older than they are. The effect is notably worse with regular dentures since the gums bear the direct pressure of chewing and biting. Dental implants take the pressure off the gum and provide stimulation to the jawbone to keep it alive and intact.
Tooth loss causes the jawbone to weaken gradually. Other dental restorations may help to restore tooth functions, but only dental implants can help to ensure the jawbone stays strong and healthy.
If you are missing one or more teeth, aesthetic appeal and tooth function are not the only factors to consider when choosing a dental restoration. You need to pay attention to your jawbone’s health too. Fortunately, with dental implants, you will not only have a tooth restoration that looks and functions naturally, but you will also ensure a healthy jawbone. To get started, book an appointment with our dentist for a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://familychoicedentistry.com or call Family Choice Dental at (505) 634-5657 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.
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