When most people think about dental implants, they assume the benefits stop at tooth replacement and their main concerns are usually the appearance of their smile and their teeth’s function. Those are genuinely important, but they are not the whole story. Dental implants can also limit natural bone loss that’s normally associated with missing teeth.
Why Do Missing Teeth Cause Bone Loss in the Jaw?
When a person eats, chewing provides natural stimulation to the underlying bone structure. To put it simply, this stimulation spurs bone tissue generation. So: when that stimulation stops – such as when a tooth is knocked out – bone tissue generation halts or slows too and bone loss takes place. Over time, this can cause a multitude of serious problems, including a malformed or shrunken jaw in some cases.
So, How Do Dental Implants Limit Bone Loss?
Since dental implants are attached directly to the jawbone, chewing still offers some of the same stimulation that natural teeth would place on the jawbone. The effect is enough to limit bone loss to something like the levels associated with normal aging.
In contrast, traditional dentures and dental bridges place little to no stimulation on the underlying bone structure. While dentures and bridgework are much better than no replacement, longtime denture wearers tend to suffer from an increased amount of bone loss in their jaw.
West Covina Dental Implants
If you’re looking for dental implants in West Covina, A-Z Dental Care offers affordable dental services and always prioritizes patient comfort.
You can learn more about all our services, including dental implants, by giving us a call at the number on your screen or checking out our contact page!