If you’re interested in dental implants in Lewis Center, Delaware or Powell, the team at Olentangy Modern Dental wants to answer all of your questions! We understand that implant treatment is a commitment and an investment in your dental health, so we will always take the time to discuss every step of the procedure with you. Many patients suffering from tooth loss have questions related to bone resorption as they consider implant treatment. Here are a few common questions and answers from implant experts to help you as you look into implant treatment:
Why Does Bone Loss Occur After the Loss of a Tooth?
Your jaw bone is just like any other bone in your body, which means that it will become weaker if it isn’t used. Normally, your jaw bone is kept strong and healthy by the constant pressure transmitted from the root of your tooth as you smile, bite, and chew. These daily actions stimulate the jaw tissue and keep it healthy.
However, after you lose a tooth, this pressure is no longer transmitted into the jaw bone through your tooth and its root. As a result, the bone will slowly begin the process of “resorption” and it will become weaker.
How Soon Does Bone Loss Begin After I Lose A Tooth?
Bone loss happens relatively quickly. Most patients experience a loss of up to 25% of their jaw bone within a year of losing their tooth. Because of this, it’s important to get treatment with a dental implant right away to prevent further damage and bone resorption.
How Do Dental Implants Help Prevent Bone Loss?
Dental implants function as an artificial tooth root and are surgically implanted directly into your jaw bone. After your dental implant heals, an implant-supported restoration (such as a dental crown) will be attached to it.
Once the functionality of your tooth is restored, you can bite and chew again, which will transmit pressure and force directly into your jaw and gum, just like a natural tooth would. In turn, this stimulates the bone and keeps it healthy and strong.
Are Dental Implants The Only Replacement Option That Protects Jaw Bone Health?
Yes. While treatments like partial dentures and dental bridges are a good option for treating tooth loss and its associated symptoms, they do not protect the health of your jaw bone. Unlike a dental implant, other restorations do not transmit any force into the jaw bone. This means that you will still experience jaw bone loss if you have a partial denture or a dental bridge placed.
For this reason, Dr. Gavin always recommends using dental implants to restore your missing teeth whenever possible. Thanks to their long lifespan, natural appearance, and ability to protect your jaw bone from resorption, they are often the best option for restoring your smile permanently.
Contact Us Now For More Information About Dental Implants!
If you think that a dental implant may be right for you and you would like to learn more about this treatment, contact us right away for an appointment at (740) 200-5100, or come to our office at 7100 Graphics Way, Suite 3800, Lewis Center, OH 43035. Dr. Gavin is always accepting new patients and would love the chance to meet you and discuss your restorative options.