How Implants Prevent Bone Loss
 If you don't use your muscles they will weaken, or atrophy, over time. Your mouth and your muscles work in much the same way. If your body thinks you aren't using your mouth structures correctly, you will lose bone mass and tissue. This could change how your face looks over time. With tooth loss, quickly comes bone loss. If you are missing even a single tooth, your jawbone will start to shrink by 25% in just one year. This is why it is so important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. We can help you with tooth restorations at Rai Oral Surgery. Dental Implants Can HelpDental implants play a critical role in preventing bone loss by mimicking the natural tooth structure and function. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone no longer receives the stimulation it needs to maintain its mass and density. As a result, the bone begins to deteriorate over time, leading to a process called bone resorption. This can cause significant changes to the jaw structure and facial appearance, resulting in a sunken or aged look. Dental Implants Provide Stimulation to the JawboneBy emulating the natural tooth root, dental implants provide the necessary stimulation to the jawbone. The implant, typically made of biocompatible materials like titanium, is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. This integration creates a stable foundation for the artificial tooth or crown that is attached to the implant. The chewing and biting forces transmitted through the implant during everyday activities stimulate the surrounding bone, similar to how a natural tooth root would. This stimulation signals to the body that the bone is still necessary, encouraging the maintenance of bone density and preventing the onset of bone resorption. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges that sit on top of the gums and do not directly interact with the jawbone, dental implants provide a direct connection to the bone structure. This feature makes them a more effective long-term solution for maintaining jawbone health and preventing the deterioration that typically occurs after tooth loss. Ridge AugmentationWithout seeing you and examining your mouth, it is hard to say for certain whether or not you will need ridge augmentation. However, if you have been missing a tooth or teeth for quite some time or if you have had severe gum disease, it is possible you will need to have the alveolar ridge augmented before getting single tooth implants or multiple tooth implants. If you would like to schedule an exam to determine if that is the case, give us a call to schedule an appointment. Dental Implants Rai Oral SurgeryOverall, the preservation of bone density achieved through dental implants not only supports the structural integrity of the jawbone but also helps to maintain the natural contours of the face, preventing the sunken appearance often associated with tooth loss and bone resorption. By stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone loss, dental implants contribute to improved oral health, functionality, and aesthetic appearance. |
