Dental Implants Can Stop Bone Loss
A paramount risk of an adult losing his or her permanent teeth is the risk of bone loss or bone “thinning”. This is not entirely a dental issue, but also cosmetic, as the structure of all the facial bones can begin to change, beginning to look “sunken” or “hollow”. In many elderly and ill people it can be remarked that these physical changes have occurred, and it is indeed seen as an indication of old age. However, in many cases this deterioration is preventable. In fact, the easiest way to end bone loss is to stop it before it starts! However, the use of dental implants can prevent this bone loss from reaching such an advanced state.
When teeth are lost, it is beneficial to seek the option of dental implants to replace them in order to decrease the risk of bone loss. Dental implants can stave off bone loss from a misshapen jaw. A dental implant is an excellent stand-in for natural teeth. It allows your jaw to keep its regular shape and allows your face to keep its appearance. Dental implants stabilize your jaw and the other teeth around them. Dental implants will also provide your jawbone with the constant stimulation it needs to maintain bone density. This allows your jaw to keep its structural integrity and your mouth happy and healthy.
When bone loss in your jawbone occurs, many unfortunate consequences can ensue. The most plain to see symptom is the appearance of the lower third of your face. When bone resorbs from the jaw, the skin and muscle have no structure to hold them in place and the jowls become more pronounced as the lower face sags. Additionally, gums tend to recede, which places your oral health at greater risk. Dental implants can help mitigate these risks and will greatly improve your appearance.
The single best way to prevent bone loss in the teeth is to provide constant stimulation to the dental bone by chewing or biting, and dental implants are essential to provide the resistance to do so. This is not to say that grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw are preventative measures. The risks of cracking or breaking a tooth far outweigh the benefit gained by the constant pressure. Rather, eating healthy foods regularly throughout the day will be enough to provide that stimulation needed to maintain bone density.
Dental implants will help in providing this constant stimulation by giving the teeth something to push against during chewing and biting. Without a dental implant, the areas of the mouth affected by bone loss will not receive this pressure, causing the teeth around the affected areas to loosen and move over time, further weakening the stimulation gained from chewing. This cycle worsens over time if left untreated, but if treatment is sought sooner than later, can be mitigated quite comprehensively.
Whether dental implants are utilized or a bone grafting procedure is undergone, dental health is improved. Lost or missing teeth can be replaced, allowing bite stimulation to occur, inhibiting resorption. Prevention is always the better approach over repair, and visiting a dentist regularly is the best way to see bone loss before it causes major problems.