Missing teeth is more than just an unsightly smile. Did you know that missing teeth can lead to bone loss in your jawbone? Your teeth are your jawbone’s best support system. When you have one or more missing teeth, your jawbone can actually start to erode and weaken. Without a strong, healthy jawbone, you are at risk for additional tooth loss and even facial irregularities.
Many people who have multiple missing teeth will notice atrophy of their jawbone. Facial atrophy is common in aging and causes your facial features to appear sunken. Although dentures can be a great fix for missing teeth, these removable tooth replacement appliances do not provide the jawbone support and bone loss prevention you may need. The good news is that dental implants, although a more costly tooth replacement option, provides a permanent solution to missing teeth while supporting the jawbone and preventing signs of facial atrophy.
Because dental implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, they provide necessary stability and can help eliminate bone erosion and bone loss. Dental implants secure themselves to the jawbone through a fusion type process called osseointegration. Fortunately, dental offer very few negative side effects and they carry an impressive 95% success rate.
Gilreath Family Dentistry helps patients regain not only an attractive smile, but a functional smile as well with dental implants. Take advantage of this revolutionary tooth replacement procedure and feel confident that your jawbone is protected from future deterioration.
Posted on behalf of Dr. Paul Gilreath IV,