Have you lost bone density due to missing teeth? If so, it’s time to schedule a consultation with one of our dental implant dentists in Greater Grand Rapids, MI. During your appointment, they’ll be able to determine if you’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure and will be able to help you plan out your next steps.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about dental implants and their role in preventing future bone loss in the jaw.
How Your Body Reacts to Tooth Loss
When a tooth is lost or extracted, the underlying jawbone is no longer stimulated by the forces generated during chewing and biting. This lack of stimulation leads to a process called bone resorption, where the bone begins to deteriorate over time.
The body recognizes that the jawbone is no longer serving its purpose of supporting teeth, so it gradually reabsorbs the bone tissue, causing it to shrink in size and density.
This can lead to a variety of complications, including facial sagging, difficulties with speech and eating, and even a higher risk of further tooth loss.
Dental Implants Preserve Bone Density
A acts as an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed into the jawbone. This implant is typically made of biocompatible materials, such as titanium, that fuse with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration allows the to become firmly integrated with the jawbone, essentially becoming a part of the natural oral structure.
The key to how dental implants prevent bone loss lies in the osseointegration process. As the implant fuses with the jawbone, it mimics the stimulation that a natural tooth root provides. This stimulation is crucial for maintaining the health and density of the jawbone.
The forces exerted on the implant during normal chewing and biting activities are transmitted to the surrounding bone, triggering a response that stimulates new bone growth.
By providing the necessary stimulation, dental implants help to preserve the volume and density of the jawbone. This prevents the bone from deteriorating and shrinking, which can have significant implications for a person’s facial appearance and overall oral health.
Maintaining a healthy jawbone is particularly important if a patient wishes to pursue other dental procedures in the future, such as dental bridges or dentures, as a strong foundation is required for optimal results.
Benefits of Dental Implants
It is worth noting that dental implants offer distinct advantages over other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or dental bridges, in terms of preventing bone loss. While dentures rest on the gums and dental bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support, dental implants directly integrate with the jawbone. This means that dental implants provide superior stability, functionality, and long-term preservation of the jawbone.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
Our dental implant dentists in Greater Grand Rapids, MI, are accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options. To schedule an appointment, please call Robinson Dental at 1-888-WE-C-U-NOW. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
