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Have you experienced tooth loss? Wish there was a way to preserve your bone density so you can avoid jaw shrinkage? Ask our dental implant dentist in South Bend, IN, if you’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants exert pressure on the jaw which helps keep it healthy and intact.
Here’s what you need to know about dental implants and their role in preventing bone loss and facial collapse.
The Dental Implant Process
The first step is taking X-rays of your jaw to see if there are any potential issues. If you need a damaged or decayed tooth extracted, this will be the next step. Between removing the tooth and placing the dental implant, you may need a bone graft to strengthen the jawbone enough to support the implant.
Next is the actual dental implant procedure where the titanium post is placed into your jawbone. The process by which your fuses with your jawbone is known as osseointegration. This process may take months and depends on the strength of your jawbone and the health of your gums.
After your jawbone has grown on and around the , an abutment is secured to the top. Next, it is connected to the dental crown. This is then placed after a couple weeks to let the gums around the abutment heal.
The Dangers of Missing Teeth
Teeth apply pressure on the jawbone when you bite down on something. That pressure signals the body to keep supplying the jawbone with nutrients to maintain its strength and density. Dental implants help by functioning the same as a natural tooth root.
When a tooth is missing, that pressure is no longer applied to your jawbone and your body diverts the nutrients away from your jaw causing it to grow weaker and decrease in size.
This is known as facial collapse and can have a tremendous impact on your ability to talk, eat, and feel confident.
Missing teeth affect more than just your oral health. The number and health of your teeth directly impacts what kind of food you can eat, which determines the quality of nutrients you receive. Missing teeth also put you at a higher risk for gum disease.
Implant-Supported Dentures
By themselves, dentures can slip around in your mouth when you’re talking or eating which can be awkward and even embarrassing. However, when dentures are used in conjunction with dental implants, they don’t slip and you maintain your jaw/overall facial structure.
Without dental implant treatment, your jaw will shrink and eventually your dentures will no longer fit, leading you to get new ones. You can talk with our dentist to hear more about how a dental implant can help restore your oral health and prevent further deterioration.
Related:Should I Get Dental Implants or Dentures? →
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
Ready to take the next step? Our dental implant dentist in South Bend, IN, is accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options. To schedule an appointment, please call Select Dental Associates at (574) 232-8888. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
