Dental implants are a popular and highly effective option for preventing bone loss in patients who have lost one or more teeth. Bone loss can occur in the jawbone when a tooth is lost, and if left untreated, it can lead to several serious oral health issues.
Dental implants can help to prevent bone loss by mimicking the function of natural teeth and preserving the integrity of the jawbone. This article discusses the relationship between bone loss and dental implants.
What Happens When You Lose a Tooth?
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in the missing tooth area will begin to deteriorate. This is because the tooth root stimulates the jawbone when biting and chewing, providing the necessary signals for the bone to stay strong and healthy.
When the tooth root is missing, the jawbone no longer receives these signals, and it begins to deteriorate. This can lead to several serious oral health issues, including a decrease in bite force, changes in the shape of the face, and an increased risk of tooth loss.
How Can Dental Implants Help?
Dental implants can help to prevent bone loss by mimicking the function of natural tooth roots. They are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as replacement tooth roots.
Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, it can provide the necessary stimulation to the jawbone to help preserve its integrity. This can help to prevent the jawbone from deteriorating and can help to preserve the patient’s bite force and overall oral health.
Dental implants can also help to prevent bone loss by promoting the growth of new bone. When an implant is placed in the jawbone, the body recognizes it as a foreign object and deposits new bone around it. This new bone eventually fuses with the implant, creating a strong and stable foundation for the dental prosthetic. This process, called osseointegration, can help to promote the growth of new bone and can help to preserve the integrity of the jawbone.
Dental implants are also suitable for patients who have already experienced bone loss. In these cases, bone grafting procedures can be done before implant placement. This is a procedure where bone from other areas of the body or synthetic bone is placed into the jaw to promote bone growth and create a suitable environment for the implant.
What’s the Success Rate of Dental Implants?
The success rate of dental implants is generally very high, with a success rate of up to 98% for a single implant. However, the implant’s success can depend on various factors, such as the patient’s overall health, the quality of the jawbone, and the skill of the dental professional placing the implant. It is vital to select a highly experienced dentist with many favorable testimonials!
It’s also important to note that dental implants may not be suitable for everyone, particularly for patients with certain health conditions or unsuitable for surgery. Other options, such as a dental bridge or denture, may be better in these cases.
Final Remarks
Dental implants can effectively prevent bone loss in patients who have lost one or more teeth. They can help preserve the jawbone’s integrity by mimicking the function of natural teeth and promoting the growth of new bone. Dental implants also have a high success rate.
Implants also support a variety of dental prosthetics, allowing patients to choose the best option for restoring their oral health. It’s essential to consult with a dental professional to determine whether dental implants are the best option for you and, if so, the best action plan.
