Tooth loss affects more than just your confidence. Every tooth is invaluable for your oral health and overall wellness. However, 120 million Americans have missing teeth. If you’ve lost a tooth or two, you may struggle to chew certain foods, or your words might sound slurred, but those aren’t the only concerns. Missing teeth can change the shape of your face, making you look years older and harming your dental health. Here’s how you can protect your facial shape with dental implants.
Missing Teeth Causes Bone Loss
When you lose a tooth, your underlying jawbone is no longer being stimulated by the root. As a result, your bone will deteriorate slowly. You can lose up to 25% of your jaw’s density within the first year of missing a tooth. It will continue to shrink as time passes.
As your jaw deteriorates, your remaining teeth won’t have sufficient support, which can cause them to shift. You will have an increased risk of cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss.
Over time, your facial tissues won’t have the support they need, which can cause premature wrinkles and sagging skin. You can look years older than your chronological age.
Preserve Your Jawbone with Dental Implants
Dental bridges and dentures have been used for generations to replace lost teeth. Although they are effective, they do nothing to stop bone loss because they only mimic the crowns of teeth.
A dental implant is unique because it replicates both the tooth root and the crown. A titanium post is surgically placed into the jaw to support a customized restoration that will look like a real tooth. The implant post will serve as a new root, stimulating bone growth. Your jaw will fuse to it through a process called osseointegration, allowing it to remain in place forever, potentially.
A dental implant is the only treatment to stop bone loss to keep your jaw strong and healthy. This will prevent your teeth from shifting to improve your oral health and wellness. It will also maintain the shape of your face. You can look years younger by filling the gap with a dental implant.
Invest in a Long-Lasting Solution
Although there are several tooth replacement methods, dental implants offer unmatched benefits, like jawbone preservation. With over a 95% success rate and a lifespan of 30 years or longer, they are a smart investment. You can look and feel your best using the most reliable treatment for missing teeth.
About Dr. Gregory D. Martin
Dr. Martin achieved his dental degree from the Howard University College of Dentistry and has completed advanced training in many specialties, including dental implants, fixed prosthodontics, and restorative dentistry. He is an active member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (817) 567-2125.