For years, people mistakenly viewed missing teeth as a cosmetic problem. However, research shows that your body responds to missing teeth. Once you are missing a tooth, your brain notices the empty socket in your jaw. If your socket remains empty, jaw development stops because there is no tooth root to stimulate growth. Eventually, your jaw breaks down because the body views this area as unnecessary. Experiencing bone loss typically leads to other issues including problems chewing and speaking as well as more lost teeth. In advanced stages of bone loss, your facial structure breaks down, causing a sunken looking face.
Fortunately, dental implants allow our dentist to help you to stop bone loss and regain the confidence that comes from knowing your smile is beautiful. Although getting an implant is a straightforward procedure, it is time-consuming.
After assessing your situation and creating a care plan, out dentist puts a screw in the empty socket. Once the screw is in place, we must wait until the area heals and osseointegration takes place. This process is when the titanium screw fuses with your jaw bone. The process may take many months. Next, our dentist attaches an abutment to the fused screw. Finally, the top part of the implant goes on the abutment, and the process of getting a dental implant is complete. Over time, your body accepts the implant, and bone loss stops.
While it is true that our patients who receive implants experience a restored look that they are proud to show off, they also are protecting their health by stopping bone loss. If you are missing teeth, call our office and set up an appointment to learn more about dental implants.