If you’ve already lost one tooth, you probably want to do everything in your power to avoid losing more. If this describes your situation, schedule a consultation with one of our dental implant dentists in the Greater Grand Rapids and West Michigan area. During your appointment, they’d be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options.
In the meantime, here is how can help prevent future tooth loss. If you have any questions about the dental implant procedure, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of our dental offices in West Michigan. We’d be more than happy to help!
Stop Bone Loss in the Jaw
The body is incredibly resourceful. While this can be a good thing, sometimes the body can be too resourceful for its own good. In the case of missing teeth, the body will absorb the minerals in the jawbone around the empty sockets. To the body, it doesn’t make sense to maintain minerals and bone density if it’s not being used.
After dental implant surgery, the prosthetic tooth root will exert pressure on your jawbone. This tells the body that the bone around your empty socket is still being used and ought to be left alone.
Depending on the extent of tooth loss, we may recommend one or multiple dental implants to restore your smile. For example, we may recommend all-on-6 or all-on-4 dental implants to replace an entire arch of teeth.
One of our dental implant dentists will help you explore your treatment options during your consultation. That way, you’ll know what to expect during the dental implant process.
Prevent Other Teeth From Shifting
Once you lose one tooth, the other teeth in your mouth lose part of the support they once had. As a result, they’ll start to drift toward the empty socket. As teeth shift, it can change how your jaws come together when you bite. If left untreated, migrating teeth can lead to jaw pain, TMJ disorders, and uneven wear patterns on your teeth.
The good news is that a dental implant can help hold your remaining natural teeth in place. The not only replaces your missing tooth, but stops further tooth loss in its tracks.
Preserve Gum Tissue
Your gums are designed to seal around each individual tooth. However, once you lose a tooth, your gums no longer have anything to hold them in place. As a result, they can start to recede and expose the roots of adjacent teeth. Not only does this lead to tooth sensitivity in the long run, but it also makes your other teeth vulnerable to being lost.
With a dental implant, we’re able to replace both the root and crown of your original tooth. That way, you’re able to reduce your risk of gum recession and further tooth loss.
Learn More: How Dental Implants Protect Your Oral Health →
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
Our dental implant dentists are accepting new patients at their three West Michigan office locations. To schedule an appointment and learn if you’re a candidate for dental implants, 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.
