Losing a tooth can happen to anyone. Whether from an accident, gum disease, or other dental problems. But leaving that space empty can lead to bigger issues for your mouth and jaw.
Dental implants offer a permanent solution that does more than just fill the gap. They actually help preserve your jawbone, keep your facial structure healthy, and your smile strong. Dr. Keith Boenning, a trusted dentist in Towson, MD, explains how implants prevent the bone loss that normally happens after tooth loss.
Unlike other replacements that just sit on your gums, implants act like artificial tooth roots. This tricks your jaw into thinking it still has work to do, so it doesn’t shrink away like it normally would when a tooth is missing. That means you avoid that sunken-in look some people get when they’ve lost teeth.
Implants also let you eat and speak naturally, without worrying about slipping dentures. And with proper care, they can last a lifetime.
Save Your Jawbone with Dental Implants
What Happens to Jawbone After Tooth Loss?
In a healthy smile, the tooth has a root that extends below the gum line and reaches the jaw. Its presence stimulates the bone there and keeps it strong.
After tooth loss, the tooth root’s absence means that the bone no longer receives stimulation. Without it, the jawbone can deteriorate and cause facial sagging, shifting of remaining teeth, and other oral health concerns. Your dentist can suggest restorative treatment to prevent these issues from forming.
How Can Dental Implants Help My Jaw?
Many tooth replacement treatments, like removable dentures, replace missing teeth above the gumline. This restorative solution can resolve a decline in oral function and other issues that stem from tooth loss. However, it can’t avert bone loss in the jaw.
A dental implant is a permanent tooth replacement that includes a titanium post anchor that will support a prosthetic tooth. This anchor replaces a missing tooth root to stimulate the jawbone once again.
By stimulating the jaw, the anchor stops bone from deteriorating and even encourages bone that may have already been lost to heal. This helps patients preserve their facial and dental structure after tooth loss.
Will My Jaw Support Dental Implants?
To successfully get dental implants, your jaw must be stable enough to serve as a foundation that can secure the anchor of the implant. If too much bone has deteriorated, you won’t have a strong enough jaw to support an implant.
If this is the case, your dentist may recommend a bone graft surgery to create more stability to the jaw. They may suggest alternative tooth replacement solutions if this isn’t feasible.
A dental professional will evaluate your jawbone structure and strength using x-ray imaging taken during a consultation appointment. They will perform a thorough exam to see if you’re eligible for this treatment. This will make sure that your implant won’t fail.
How Dental Implants Keep Your Face Looking Younger
When your jawbone starts shrinking after tooth loss, it can actually change how your face looks over time. You might notice more wrinkles around your mouth or that your face seems to sag. This happens because your bones help hold up your facial muscles just like a tent pole holds up a tent.
Dental implants work like artificial roots that keep your jawbone strong and maintain your natural facial shape. Unlike dentures that can make your face look sunken, implants help you keep your youthful appearance.
The Step-by-Step Implant Process
Getting dental implants takes a few visits but is simpler than you might think. First, your dentist will place the titanium post in your jawbone. This is like setting a strong foundation for a house. Your bone will naturally grow around it over the next few months, making it super secure.
Once it’s fully healed, your dentist attaches the realistic-looking artificial tooth on top. While it takes time, each step is carefully planned to make sure your new tooth looks and works just like a real one.
Eating With Confidence Again
One of the best things about dental implants is how they let you enjoy all your favorite foods without worry. Unlike dentures that might slip when you chew something sticky or crunchy, implants stay firmly in place.
You can bite into an apple, chew steak, or enjoy crunchy snacks just like you could with natural teeth. Plus, because they protect your jawbone, you’ll keep the strong bite force needed for tougher foods. Many patients say eating feels completely normal again after getting their implants.
Dental Implants and Restorative Dentistry in Towson, MD
Boenning and Dancykier Dental Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry offer dental implants and other tooth replacement solutions to qualified patients in Towson, MD. Dr. Boenning specializes in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including periodontal care. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact our office by phone at 410-324-2294 or reach our staff online.