Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. They look and feel just like natural teeth, and can keep all surrounding teeth in correct position. If you are considering implants, you might have questions about how the new, replacement teeth might affect your remaining natural teeth. [pullquote]Because dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone, they help stimulate growth in the bone.[/pullquote]

Implants to Prevent Long-Term Damage

Implants do affect the remaining teeth that lie adjacent, but only in positive ways. Having an implant is the next best thing to having your original teeth in this regard.

Because dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone, they help stimulate growth in the bone. With other replacement options, such as dentures or bridges, there is no root portion to help the bone tissue regenerate. This can lead to resorption of the bone, which can change the shape of the jawbone and eventually the face itself. It can also leave the remaining teeth with a less secure anchorage, making it more likely that they will move out of position or even become loose.

Implants to Prevent Misalignment

When you lose a tooth, a gap is left behind. The surrounding teeth, if left on their own, will naturally move into this gap. While this might not seem like a serious problem, over a period of time it can lead to a variety of issues. These can include:

•    Premature wear and tear
•    Clenching and grinding
•    Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)

Keeping your teeth in proper alignment is very important to their ongoing health. If a single tooth is missing, it might not seem worth the effort to replace it, but making sure that gap is filled goes a long way toward helping you preserve the rest of your teeth.

If you have lost one or more teeth, call our team at the doctor Family Dentistry, serving Centennial Colorado and surrounding areas, so we can help you determine if implants are the best option for you.