Losing a tooth is understandably upsetting, regardless of whether the loss is due to something like an accident that caused trauma, or an infection, just for example. To add insult to injury, though, your tooth loss could be followed by bone loss in the jaw where the tooth used to be. This could be related to infection or merely a byproduct of the bone having no tooth to support. Either way, you want to prevent bone loss that could lead to further oral health concerns.
What are your options? When it comes to both functional and cosmetic concerns, there are a few treatments to consider, including bridgework and dentures. While these options are affordable and they will fix the appearance of your smile and allow you to eat with relative confidence, they simply don’t provide the same benefits as your final option: dental implants.
If you want a durable replacement tooth that most closely resembles your natural tooth in both form and functionand you want to prevent the bone loss that is common after losing a tooth, there is no better treatment option than a dental implant. Here’s how it works.
Why are Dental Implants the Best Option?
Dental implants are permanent fixtures that most closely mimic your natural teeth. A dental implant includes a titanium screw in your jaw that bonds with bone to provide a stable base for your new, false tooth. This crown not only looks like a natural tooth, but it functions like one, as well, allowing you to eat, drink, laugh, smile, and brush, floss, and rinse as though nothing had changed.
Dentures are removable and they can shift or come loose. A bridge could make it difficult to perform proper oral hygiene. And neither of these options prevents the deterioration of your jaw bone. Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants, but if your dentist clears you for a dental implant, it is the best possible option for treating tooth loss.
How Do Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss?
Bone loss following tooth loss can be serious, leading to tooth and bite misalignment, as well as cosmetic issues like an unsightly smile. Dental implants are the best cure.
The titanium screw replaces the missing roots of your former tooth, giving the jaw bone something to support and helping to maintain bone density, depth, and width. The crown above keeps surrounding teeth in place so they don’t lean into an open gap, and it also forms a seal with gum tissue that can help to stop infection from getting into the jaw. This, in turn, prevents further bone loss and makes it easier to maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.
