Dental Implants: Why Your Jawbone Needs Them

Introduction

Welcome to Marvin Blumentritt, DMD - Troy Dental, where we provide exceptional dental services to cater to your oral health needs. In this article, we will delve into the importance of dental implants and how they contribute to the well-being of your jawbone.

Understanding Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials such as titanium. They are surgically inserted into the jawbone to support dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or dentures. Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants provide a stable and long-lasting solution for the replacement of missing teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

1. Preserving Jawbone Health: When teeth are missing, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, just like natural tooth roots, preventing bone loss and maintaining its structure. This helps to preserve the shape of your face and prevent the appearance of a sunken-in look.

2. Improved Chewing and Speaking Abilities: Dental implants offer excellent stability and functionality, allowing you to comfortably chew a wide variety of foods. They also eliminate the concerns of slippage or difficulty in pronouncing words that are common with traditional dentures.

3. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth in terms of appearance and feel. They blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, helping to restore your smile and boosting your confidence.

What Happens to Your Jawbone When Teeth are Missing?

When teeth are lost or extracted, the jawbone that previously supported them begins to atrophy. This occurs due to the lack of stimulation that tooth roots provide to the bone. Over time, the jawbone gradually deteriorates, resulting in significant changes to your facial structure and causing potential oral health problems.

1. Bone Loss and Facial Changes

Without the support of tooth roots, the jawbone experiences a process called resorption, where it loses density and height. This can lead to facial sagging, wrinkles, and a prematurely aged appearance.

2. Shifting Teeth

Adjacent teeth to the empty space may start to shift, causing misalignment of your bite. This can lead to difficulties in chewing and further tooth loss if not treated promptly.

3. Difficulty with Dentures

Traditional dentures, lacking implant support, can become ill-fitting and uncomfortable over time. The jawbone changes its shape without tooth roots, making it challenging to achieve a secure and stable fit. This can lead to sore spots, difficulties in eating, and lack of confidence in social situations.

The Role of Dental Implants in Preserving Jawbone Health

Dental implants have revolutionized the field of restorative dentistry, offering a solution to the problems associated with tooth loss. By mimicking the function and appearance of natural teeth, implants provide the necessary stimulation to the jawbone, effectively halting bone loss and preserving its integrity.

The Implant Placement Process

1. Consultation and Treatment Planning: Our experienced dentist, Dr. Marvin Blumentritt, will assess your oral health and determine if dental implants are the right option for you. A comprehensive treatment plan will be created to address your specific needs and expectations.

2. Implant Placement Surgery: The dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong foundation for the subsequent attachment of dental restorations.

3. Healing and Integration: Over several months, the implant integrates with the jawbone, forming a stable bond. During this time, a temporary restoration may be placed to maintain aesthetics and functionality.

4. Restoration Placement: Once the implant has fully healed, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant, completing the restoration process. The final result is a beautiful, functional, and long-lasting replacement for your missing teeth.

Conclusion

At Marvin Blumentritt, DMD - Troy Dental, we understand the vital role that dental implants play in preserving jawbone health and restoring your smile. Our expert team is committed to providing high-quality dental services in the Health - Dentist and Dental Services category. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how dental implants can improve your oral health and overall well-being.