Can Dental Implants Prevent Jaw Bone Atrophy?
October 3, 2018
Dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular treatment option for missing teeth, and it is expected that their popularity will continue to grow in the coming years. There are many benefits to implants, ranging from being able to eat the foods you love to caring for them like your real teeth. If you have not discussed the possibility of implants with your dentist in Tampa, FL, yet, you may still have questions about what is true and what is myth about this treatment. For example, do implants really prevent jaw bone atrophy?
The Effects of Missing Teeth
To answer that, you need to understand what happens to your mouth when you lose one of your permanent teeth. Your teeth have long roots that reach down into the gums all the way to your jaw bone. These roots act as a support system not only for your tooth but also for the jaw bone. If even a single tooth comes out for any reason, there is now one less root system supporting the jaw. The bone can then start to atrophy. If the bone continues to atrophy, it could compromise any teeth that are adjacent to the missing tooth, meaning those teeth may now be at risk of falling out as well.
The Role an Implant Plays
If Dr. Douglas G. Genninger determines you are a qualified candidate for dental implants, he will schedule the procedure. This involves placing a titanium post into the jaw bone where the missing tooth was. The post acts like the tooth’s root system and offers support to the jaw bone, essentially preventing atrophy and retaining the shape of the face. The post is then capped with a natural-looking crown.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you have one or more missing teeth, it is important to see your dentist in Tampa, FL and find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants or other treatment. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Genninger.