When you’re considering options for replacing missing teeth, you may be tempted to choose a temporary fix like dentures. After all, they do look very realistic, allow you to enjoy many of your favorite foods, and they’re a lot more affordable than most other types of restorations. But what about bone loss? Without proper stimulation, your jaw can begin to deteriorate, causing you to lose even more teeth. Here’s what you need to know about this dangerous degradation, how dentures could make it worse, and how dental implants could prevent it.
What Causes Bone Loss?
When you have a full set of teeth, your jawbone receives important stimulation from them as you chew, keeping them healthy and strong. Unfortunately, however, if you lose a tooth, the bone no longer gets properly stimulated, and in as little as six months, can begin to deteriorate. Eventually, this can cause it to shrink and weaken, causing tooth loss in neighboring areas.
Can Dentures Prevent Bone Loss?
While it’s true that dentures can temporarily replace missing teeth, unfortunately they cannot prevent bone deterioration. That’s because they sit atop the gums and therefore do not have a way to stimulate the jaw. Although they are still helpful at preventing your remaining teeth from shifting, with time they may actually increase bone deterioration, not prevent it.
How Dental Implants Can Help
When considering your tooth replacement options, dental implants can help not only permanently rebuild your smile, but they can also provide important jawbone stimulation that prevents future deterioration and tooth loss. That’s because the implant itself is surgically secured in the jaw, simulating the roots of a tooth and keeping it stimulated and healthy. This not only benefits the implant itself, but it also protects any remaining nearby implants and teeth while maintaining the integrity of your jaw.
Other Benefits of Dental Implants
In addition to providing essential protection for your jawbone, dental implants also boast a variety of impressive benefits to your oral and overall health, including:
- They can be brushed and flossed just like real teeth.
- They provide strong if not stronger bite force than real teeth.
- They allow you to eat a more expansive and nutritious diet.
- They can improve your self-confidence and self-esteem.
- They are permanent, so there’s no need to replace them every five to seven years like you would with dentures or dental bridges.
Remember, although it’s true that dental implants are more expensive than solutions like dentures, they are well worth the investment. These incredible, lifelike restorations won’t just rebuild your smile, but they can also prevent jawbone deterioration, safeguarding your gorgeous grin from further damage while providing you with all the benefits of a strong, healthy mouth!
About Our Practice
At OS Dental, Dr. McKnight and Dr. Stepanchenko want to restore your smile in a way that prevents future damage. That’s why they’re so proud to offer permanent solutions to tooth loss like dental implants. If you’re concerned about jawbone deterioration and are ready to get back your gorgeous healthy grin, come see us and learn more about this smile-saving treatment. To schedule your consultation for dental implants, visit our website or call 469-829-4328.