Avoiding Bone Loss with Dental Implants

Bone loss in the jaw can occur after tooth loss, leading to changes in facial structure and potential dental complications. Dental implants offer a reliable solution to prevent bone loss and maintain optimal oral health and facial aesthetics. Let's explore why dental implants are essential for avoiding bone loss and preserving the integrity of the jawbone.

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement options that address the bone tissue loss that occurs when a tooth and its roots are lost. It can lead to drastic changes in a person's facial appearance, and it can lead to a variety of teeth alignment and other dental issues.

How dental implants prevent bone tissue loss

Dental implants by the dentist in Phoenix, AZ replace the visible part of a tooth as well as its roots. The prosthetic is surgically placed in the patient's jawbone, and it bonds with the surrounding bone tissue over a period of about six months. The process is called osseointegration.

A crown is then placed on the external-facing end of the implant. The crown serves as a replacement for the lost tooth and force is transferred from it, through the implant and into the jawbone every time the patient takes a bite or uses their teeth. As a result, the jawbone continues to get the stimulation it needs to remain healthy, preventing it from breaking down as a result of the lost tooth. This is one of the main reasons why implants are considered by many in the dental community as the best way to go about replacing a lost tooth. Call us to learn more.

The importance of quickly replacing a missing tooth

There are many reasons why a tooth can fall out. It can be caused by an injury or the bone tissue supporting the tooth becoming weakened. Such events have a tendency to occur at the worst possible times, and some people decide to go about their lives without replacing the lost tooth.

That is very bad for their dental health for many reasons.

Besides the loss of bone tissue that occurs when a tooth falls out, the remaining teeth can become misaligned. Teeth typically move towards any gaps created by lost teeth as they try to close up the hole. This usually leads to the remaining teeth becoming poorly aligned, which, in turn, further ruins the appearance of the person's smile and makes it harder to clean their teeth properly. In order words, a person becomes more susceptible to tooth decay when they fail to replace a missing tooth.

People who have lost jawbone tissue can still get dental implants

In order to be eligible for implants by the dentist in 85053, patients have to meet specific criteria like being healthy enough for the procedure and having enough healthy jawbone tissue to support the prosthetic. However, that does not mean those who were slow to replace a missing tooth -- and have thus lost some bone tissue -- are not eligible for implants.

Bone grafts can be performed if the patient lacks the necessary bone tissue. However, the patient will need to be fully recovered from the graft before proceeding with implant installation. It can take up to three months to recover from bone grafts.

Protect your jawbone with implants

Opt for dental implants over other missing teeth replacement options, and you will not have to worry about jawbone tissue loss. Stop by our Phoenix office to learn more about this prosthetic.

Dental implants play a crucial role in preventing bone loss and preserving the integrity of the jawbone following tooth loss. By mimicking the natural tooth root and stimulating bone growth through osseointegration, implants help maintain facial aesthetics, stability, and functionality for patients seeking to replace missing teeth. If you're considering dental implants, consult with a qualified implant dentist to explore your options and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.

Here's what you need…

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistphoenix.com or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at (602) 547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.