Will Dental Implants Stop Bone Loss From Missing Teeth?

If you’re interested in dental implants in Southington, Plantsville, or Wolcott, you may be curious about the benefits of this treatment and the numerous ways that implants can help restore your smile. The team at Southington Dentistry wants you to know that implants have more than just cosmetic benefits. They also help stop bone loss after a tooth has fallen out or been extracted. Here’s a few things you should know about bone loss and how dental implants can help:

Understanding The Cause Of Jaw Deterioration

The jaw bone and the gums begin to weaken and deteriorate after you lose a tooth. Jaw bone deterioration is caused when the alveolar bone, the bone which supports and surrounds your tooth, begins to atrophy. This bone forms the “ridges” in which your teeth are embedded, and it is strengthened and supported by the root of your tooth. As pressure is exerted on the bone, it stays strong and durable. But when a tooth is lost, the alveolar bone begins to recede. There is no support for the bone, so the process of bone “resorption” begins, and the jaw bone becomes weaker. This bone becomes weaker even if you have a dental bridge or a partial/full denture. Less chewing pressure is exerted on the bone, so it begins to deteriorate.

Dental Implants Halt And Reverse Bone Loss Caused By Missing Teeth

Since dental implants are placed directly in the area where the root of a missing tooth used to be, and they are implanted in the alveolar bone, they can help stop bone loss and even strengthen the jaw bone. Unlike with dentures and dental bridges, chewing forces are transmitted directly into the jaw through dental implants. Not only that, the durable titanium structure of the implant bonds permanently with the bone and jaw tissue, further strengthening the area.

When Should I Have A Dental Implant Placed After I Lose A Tooth?

Ideally, you should begin the process of dental implant placement within 6 months of losing a tooth. This is long enough for the socket to heal properly post-extraction, but a short enough time period that major bone loss will not occur.

Can I Get Dental Implants If I Have Experienced Significant Jaw Bone Loss?

Yes, though this depends on your overall oral health and the extent of your bone loss. A bone graft or a sinus lift can be used to place additional bone material into your jaw, which can help support your dental implant and ensure that it heals properly. The process of healing after a sinus lift or bone graft usually takes at least 6 months, and your dental implant placement will have to wait until you are completely healed from these treatments. To find out if you are a candidate for a bone graft or a sinus lift, schedule a consultation with Dr. Salesky at Southington Dentistry.

Come In For An Appointment Today – Avoid Bone Loss And Preserve Your Jaw!

Dental implants are a permanent, natural-looking solution for replacing one or more missing teeth, and they have the added benefit of ensuring that your jaw and gum tissue will remain strong and healthy for years to come. If you’re missing teeth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Salesky right away, and see if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Give us a call at (860) 628-5029 to get started, or come to our office at 15 Cornerstone Court #3A, Plantsville, Connecticut 06479 to schedule your appointment.