- Chewing difficulty that may lead to malnutrition
- Potential bite problems and pain
- Shifting remaining teeth to compensate for space
- A “sunken” appearance in the face from tooth and bone loss
Advantages of Dental Implants
Implants are the best solution for simulating natural teeth' look, feel, and function. Dental implants do much more than replace missing teeth; they also protect existing teeth by helping to preserve bone structure.
- Dental implants with restorations are the closest thing to regaining natural teeth
- They are strong, stable, durable, and virtually indistinguishable from their natural counterparts
- They help restore excellent chewing and speech abilities
- Dental implants prevent jaw bone loss and pain
- They preserve your youthful, confident appearance
- They do not slip or slide and do not require denture adhesive
What happens when a tooth is lost?
Once a tooth is lost, several things begin to happen that are not immediately noticeable to a patient and can have a significant negative effect on both health and appearance. Tooth roots help hold teeth in place, but they are also critical in maintaining health in the surrounding gums and supporting bone structures. Bone loss in the jawbone is one significant problem that naturally occurs once a tooth is lost. This bone loss can compromise the integrity of neighboring tooth roots and tooth stability, and it is also a large part of what causes the “sunken” look that is seen in people who have lost several or all of their teeth. It is the reason patients who wear dentures find that over time their dentures are harder and harder to fit and keep in place.
How can dental implants help prevent bone loss?
Dental implant placement can help generate bone growth in the area around the implant, which not only strengthens the bone and builds support, but can also alleviate the sunken look that can occur with bone loss in the jaw. This process is known as osseointegration and is a significant benefit of implant placement because it can also help prevent future bone loss.