The loss of teeth can lead not only to gaps in your smile and shifting in the position of the rest of your teeth, but it also leads to atrophy of the jawbone. Losing bone mass in the jaw is common among those who wear traditional dentures. Our can help you decide if dental implants are a good choice for you to replace your missing teeth.
What Causes Jawbone Atrophy?
Under normal circumstances, the roots of your teeth stimulate growth in the jawbone when you bite and chew. When teeth are lost, these roots are no longer present, and the bone is no longer regularly stimulated. This causes the bone tissue to deteriorate gradually. After many years, the jawbone atrophies enough that it can actually change the shape and appearance of your face. [pullquote]The loss of teeth can lead not only to gaps in your smile and shifting in the position of the rest of your teeth, but it also leads to atrophy of the jawbone.[/pullquote]
do not help stimulate growth in the jawbone because they rest on top of the gums. Bone growth is stimulated by movement of the roots within the jawbone and by pressure on the chewing surfaces. Dentures do not supply this kind of stimulation, and thus do not help maintain bone mass in the jaw.
How Dental Implants Help Preserve Bone Mass
Dental implants provide an artificial tooth root that is placed directly into the jawbone. This root is made of titanium, which naturally bonds with bone. When you speak, bite and chew, the replacement roots react the same way natural roots would, providing sufficient stimulation to the jawbone to keep its tissues growing and regenerating.
For dental implants to be placed successfully, sufficient bone mass must already exist in the jawbone. In some cases, if teeth have been missing for a long time or if you have been wearing dentures, your implant dentist might recommend bone grafts to provide sufficient support for your implants.
To find out more about dental implants and how they can help you keep a healthy, beautiful smile and a strong jawbone, please contact the doctor Family Dentistry serving Highlands Ranch to schedule a consultation.