Annual Bone & Joint Section
Bones and joints are easily taken for granted, but they’re absolutely vital to our health and day-to-day activities. In the following section, learn how to keep your bones and joints healthy so that you can keep an active lifestyle for many more years to come.
By Anna Hill
When experiencing bone loss in your jaw, dental implants can be an excellent – and permanent – solution.
People lose teeth for a variety of reasons: age, gum disease, trauma. Unfortunately, when you lose a tooth, the gums and portion of your jawbone left behind will begin to weaken and deteriorate. When part of your jawbone begins to recede, it weakens the entire bone. While there are many options for replacing teeth, dental implants are the clear choice for those looking to not only repair their smile, but preserve the bone in their jaw.
What They Are
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that creates a permanent base for a replacement tooth. The implanted fixture is usually made of medical-grade titanium, and over time, it fuses with the existing bone in your jaw, creating a sturdy, permanent support for your new tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple, depending on the individual’s needs.
How They Work
Because dental implants fuse with your existing bone over time, they provide the stability that was lost in the absence of a loose or extracted tooth. Not only do they preserve existing bone, but they stimulate bone growth as well, as the existing portion of your jawbone will generate cells that work to fuse with the implant. The artificial root of the implant will not deteriorate like a natural root will, so there is less likelihood of continued jawbone deterioration due to tooth loss at that location in your mouth.
Why They Might Be for You
While dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that will preserve bone in your jaw, there are a host of other benefits in choosing them. They can be a permanent option that improves both your oral health and your smile, as they look and feel like natural teeth. They can also improve your ability to speak and eat, eliminating the routines and complications that can accompany removable dentures. Overall, the goal of a dental implant procedure is to permanently restore function to your teeth, preserve the health of your gums and jawbone, and improve your confidence in your smile for years to come. HS