Tooth Replacement and Bone Loss

When picking the method of tooth replacement ideal for you, there’ a lot to consider. Dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants are all incredible, and each of them has their advantages. This makes picking between them a little bit complicated.

One element to consider is bone loss, which can be a problem for patients who have lost many of their teeth. Each method of tooth replacement differs in their capacity to handle this problem; here’s how you can pick between them on the basis of this issue.

Why is Bone Loss a Problem?

The body is incredibly good at allocating its limited resources, which involves directing nutrients away form places that aren’t using them. Unfortunately, this can cause problems when you’ve lost teeth; the areas of the jaw that once held your teeth are no longer being used, which means that nutrients are moved away from that patch of bone.

Over time, this will cause a deterioration of the jaw, affecting the shape of your face and the placement of other teeth in the mouth.

What Can Stop Bone Loss?

In order to counter bone loss, the area of the jaw that once held the tooth needs to be stimulated, signaling to the body to send further nutrients to the mouth. Certain methods of tooth replacement are better suited to this than others.

Dentures and bridges are capable of holding any existing teeth in place, but do nothing to stimulate the jawbone directly.

This is the exclusive domain of dental implants, which are held in place by the bone tissue just like a natural tooth. While other methods of tooth replacement are capable filling out your smile, only these can protect your bone tissue as well.

Other Merits of Dental Implants

If you’re interested in the prospect of dental implants to protect your bone, you’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of other things that your implants have going for them as well. For one, they’re remarkably durable; dental implants can easily last well over 30 years, and even a lifetime if cared for properly. They also offer a level of stability and durability that other methods of tooth replacement just can’t match.

About Our Practice

At Whitinsville Family Dentistry, we believe that there’s a dental treatment for everyone. No matter what issue you’re facing or the state of your oral health, we’ll take the time to help you get the care that you need to feel your best. More than that, we’ll listen closely to your concerns so that we can ensure that your treatment is perfectly suited to you.

If you have any questions about tooth replacement, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (508) 234-8107.