If you have lost one or more teeth, you may have noticed difficulties in performing oral functions and disruption in your smile’s appearance. However, you could be at risk of further oral health concerns if you do not seek tooth replacement treatment from your dentist, especially in your jaw.
Dental implants are an effective and permanent restorative treatment that can replace missing teeth and preserve the bone in your jaw. Dr. David Rever, a dentist located in Silver Spring, MD, illustrates the benefits of dental implants on your jawbone health.
What Happens to the Jaw After Tooth Loss?
In healthy dental patients, a tooth has a root that extends below the gum line to the jaw, and its presence stimulates the bone there. If a patient loses one or more teeth, the jaw no longer receives this stimulation and can deteriorate.
As this bone weakens, patients may notice the appearance of sagging in their face as well as shifting of remaining teeth. This degeneration will not stop on its own and will require intervention from a dental professional to treat. Removable tooth replacements, like dentures, will not replace the absent tooth root and therefore cannot preserve the jawbone.
How Do Dental Implants Stop Bone Loss?
A dental implant consists of a titanium post anchor that a dentist surgically places into the jaw to support an abutment and a prosthetic tooth, bridge, or denture. A patient can receive more than one implant as needed, which can usually be completed at the same time.
The anchor within the jaw replaces a tooth root, providing stimulation for the jaw and stopping the bone’s deterioration. This treatment will also encourage bone that may have already been lost to regrow. The implant is permanent, so patients can trust that these restorative and cosmetic benefits will last a lifetime.
Can My Jaw Support a Dental Implant?
Dentists highly recommend a dental implant for optimal tooth replacement treatment following tooth loss, but not every patient is eligible for this treatment. The patient’s jaw must be strong enough to sustain the titanium post anchor of the implant. If the patient has lost too much bone in the jaw, they will not be able to successfully receive a dental implant.
The dentist may recommend a bone graft procedure that will create more stability in the jaw to ultimately support an implant. They can evaluate a patient’s jaw structure using x-ray imaging taken during a consultation. Discuss your tooth replacement treatment options with your dentist by scheduling an appointment today.
Implant Dentistry Experts in Silver Spring, MD
Advanced Total Dental Care offers single and multiple dental implants to patients in Silver Spring, MD. Dr. Rever also offers expertise in orthodontics, restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry, including periodontal care, for patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation or appointment with our practice, contact our staff by phone at 301.637.0960 or reach our office online.