How Dental Implants Can Prevent Bone Loss in Your Jaw

Did you know that tooth loss can cause your jaw to lose bone? This begins to occur almost immediately after tooth loss and can have lasting consequences for your oral health. Bone loss occurs because the tooth root no longer stimulates the jawbone and causes the bone structure to weaken. This can affect the appearance of your face in addition to your overall oral health.

Fortunately, dental implants offer a solution to missing teeth and a solution to prevent bone loss. They rescue your smile and the structure of your jawbone.

Understanding Jaw Bone Loss

When there is tooth loss, the root no longer stimulates the jawbone. This absence of stimulation causes the jawbone to resorb, or decrease in size. This can result in bone loss over time, which compromises the jaw and makes it more difficult to replace missing teeth. The resorption process takes place because the body no longer needs the bone in that area and thus begins to dismantle it over time.

Bone loss can also cause long-term effects besides losing that single tooth. When the jawbone loses density, the surrounding teeth can begin to shift. This misalignment can create further tooth loss, gum recession, and difficulty chewing.

In addition, bone loss affects the overall shape of the face and makes it appear sunken, and is sometimes referred to as “facial collapse.” People with advanced bone loss may also find it difficult to wear dentures because the shrinking jawbone can make them loose and uncomfortable. Prevention of bone loss is therefore required for long-term facial and mouth health. 

How Dental Implants Work to Prevent Bone Loss

The roots of natural teeth are necessary for maintaining the health of the jawbone. As long as the root is intact, it will still stimulate the bone with the chewing forces, which maintains its density and strength. As soon as a tooth is lost, the jawbone is no longer stimulated and will start to resorb gradually.

Dental implants in West Jordan replicate the natural tooth root. Implants integrate with the bone through a process called osseointegration when placed into the jawbone. This integration allows the implant to provide the same stimulation to the bone as the natural tooth root. By preserving this stimulation, implants prevent the bone from resorbing and thereby preserve bone density and prevent further bone loss.

Evidence suggests that dental implants are extremely successful in halting bone loss. Some dental journals discuss research showing how implants mimic the function of natural tooth roots in keeping the jawbone intact. One study demonstrated that people who had implants faced far less bone loss compared to those who wore traditional dentures. This validates the long-term benefits of implants for bone retention.

The Long-Term Benefits of Dental Implants for Bone Health

Maintaining Facial Structure

Dental implants help maintain the natural contour of the face by preventing the bone from shrinking. Without implants, the jawbone gradually recedes and leads to a sunken appearance. Implants preserve the jaw’s structure and keep your face looking youthful and natural, unlike traditional dentures, which do not offer this benefit.

Preventing Further Tooth Loss

By filling gaps and replacing missing teeth, implants prevent neighboring teeth from drifting out of place. This maintains proper oral alignment and keeps the neighboring teeth from experiencing additional stress. This dental care preventative can reduce future tooth loss.

Improving Functionality and Comfort

Dental implants in West Jordan provide a safe and stable method of replacing teeth. They function just like natural teeth and allow you to chew, speak, and smile confidently. Implants do not shift or hurt like removable dentures, and they are a more comfortable and reliable option for tooth replacement.

Implants are an excellent method for stopping bone loss, restoring function, and improving your smile. By integrating with your jawbone, they maintain the bone’s density and provide facial support. Implants also prevent further tooth loss and are more comfortable than traditional dentures.

Schedule your consultation with our dental office today and discover how dental implants can rescue your jawbone and restore your smile. Don’t wait. Start on the road to a healthier, more confident you!