Dental implants are among the most sophisticated methods of dental restoration today, as they provide superior bite force and stability, look just like natural teeth, and offer other benefits. In this article, we discuss how dental implants prevent bone loss and facial aging.
How Do Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss and Facial Aging?
Jawbone density loss that occurs when you are missing your natural teeth is called bone resorption. It is a natural process that happens because the roots of missing teeth no longer stimulate the jawbone. As a result, the body stops sending essential nutrients to the bone, and it “shrinks” or loses density.
The jawbone provides structure to the face, and when its density reduces, it can result in a “sunken” appearance or other signs of facial changes and aging.
Dental implants consist of a crown that looks like a natural tooth and, most importantly, of a metal post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone. This post fuses with the bone over time and acts like the roots of your natural tooth, stimulating the bone. Thus, dental implants prevent jawbone density loss and the resulting changes in facial structure.
Jawbone density loss prevention is a unique feature of dental implants (or implant-supported bridges and dentures) that no other type of dental restoration can provide. Additionally, dental implants offer superior stability and chewing and biting force compared to all other types of restorations, increasing comfort of daily use and confidence in your smile.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants
If your oral and general health are in good condition and jawbone loss has not yet occurred, you are likely to be a good candidate for dental implants. Several factors have to be considered before the procedure:
Sufficient Bone Density
If you have been missing your natural teeth for a long time, significant bone loss might have already occurred. For example, you can lose up to 20% of your jawbone density already in the first year. This might mean that there is not enough hard tissue to securely support the implant.
In such cases, your doctor is likely to recommend bone grafting. During this procedure, naturally or artificially derived grafts are surgically placed in the jawbone. Later, as the bone heals, the grafts promote bone regeneration and increase bone density.
Typically, this process takes around 6 months, after which dental implants can be placed successfully.
Good Oral Health
For implants to heal successfully and without complications, your mouth should be free of active infections. If you have cavities or gum disease, they must be treated or adequately controlled before implants can be placed.
In some cases, advanced gum disease can prevent a dental implant procedure as it destroys the jawbone that implants need for stability. Also, an ongoing gum infection increases the risk of implant failure because bacteria can infect the implant site.
Good General Health
Some general health issues, such as autoimmune diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, immune deficiencies, and certain types of cancer, can reduce your body’s capacity for healing and regeneration. In such cases, surgical implant placement is undesirable, as it is likely to result in infections or failure of the implant.
Get Reliable Dental Implants at My Dentist Upland
If you need to replace lost natural teeth with dental implants, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a top local dentist at My Dentist Upland. At our office, we use modern techniques and high-quality methods to deliver reliable results to each client. We are looking forward to your visit.