Dental implants are the most innovative and popular restorative dentistry treatment in the world, but many patients don’t realize their true potential. Our Smile Specialists in the Woodlands often hear questions such as, “Do implants last forever?” and “Can implants improve jaw health?”
Can Implants Improve Jaw Health?
Implants are not just built to fill in the gaps of missing teeth, but they can actually do good things for your overall dental wellness. Consider the biggest benefits of dental implants and schedule an appointment with your Tarzana specialists to take care of your dental health.
Jawbone Deterioration
Also known as resorption, jawbone deterioration is something that causes the gradual loss of bone density. This can create gaps and spaces in the jaw where there was once solid bone, causing the teeth to shift and move around them. This can create severe misalignments and make teeth impact together, which could cause a lot of pain and discomfort.
Causes of Bone Loss
Depending on the severity of your oral health needs, you may start to suffer bone loss after you have lost teeth due to:
Extractions
Tooth extractions are typically a last resort, but the dentist will choose to extract your tooth if there is no other way to stop infection, decay, and discomfort from spreading. Your teeth are firmly planted into the jawbone via the roots, so when this is extracted, it can compromise the strength of the entire jaw.
Dentures and Bridges
Dentures are one of the leading causes of bone loss in the jaw for those dealing with significant deterioration. This is because dentures sit above your gums and do not stimulate the jawbone underneath it. Over time, the dentures may loosen as your mouth cannot find a good grip.
Gum Disease
Also known as periodontal disease, this is an advanced stage of gum disease that can ruin the integrity of your jawbone. Over time, your natural teeth may loosen and fall out because of the underlying bone getting weaker. This is why it is important to catch gum disease in the early stages of gingivitis before it advances into the more irreversible periodontitis.
Implants with Severe Bone Loss
It is still possible for patients with extreme bone and tooth loss to receive dental implants. Through jaw bone grafting, skilled dentists can remove healthy bone from other parts of your body and graft it onto your jaw. Once this process is complete, the implants can be firmly planted in your mouth.
Whether you are missing one or multiple teeth, it is a good idea to ask your dentist whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. While implants cannot be installed in a weakening jaw bone, this does not mean that you never have an opportunity to get dental implants.
Restore Jaw Health with Dental Implants
From crown to root, implants fully replace your natural tooth. They are about more than style and function; they are also about comfort and prolonging the life of your overall dental health. Many healthy patients can enjoy the continuous strengthening and growth of their jaw bone while they also have dental implants installed. This is because implants go further down into the gums than dentures do, convincing your mouth that they are real teeth. This stimulation in your jaw bone can help promote healthy regeneration.
Enjoy Healthy Smiles with the Right Dental Implants Procedure!
When you speak to our smile specialists today, you can learn more about your candidacy for dental implants and the state of your jawbone health. Those who opt-in for dental implants in Tarzana can schedule a personal consultation with our dentist at any time. Enjoy the lifelong benefits of a new set of teeth that encourage healthy bone and jaw growth. Call us today for more information!