Implant Placement to Prevent Bone Loss in Jawbone

When it comes to the placement of an implant, an oral surgeon recommends this for a variety of reasons. For instance, this is a great way to replace one missing tooth or an entire mouthful. A specific type of implant helps anchor dentures to prevent slippage. However, there are also dental implants for restoration purposes.

What is a dental implant?

In simple terms, an implant is an artificial tooth. This consists of two parts. First is the implant itself, which is a screw made of titanium. Second is the crown or replacement tooth. For this, an oral surgeon makes a small incision and then inserts the screw into the jawbone. That connection is what keeps the crown firmly in place. The new tooth looks and functions naturally.

How do implants prevent bone loss?

Perhaps one of the most exciting things is that dental implants can help to prevent bone loss in a patient’s jawbone. If an individual has a missing tooth, left untreated, there is a risk of permanent bone loss. Known as bone resorption, this happens when a portion of the bone is no longer used. As a result, it begins to deteriorate.

Whether a patient has a tooth missing due to an injury, extraction or decay, it is important to replace it quickly. Although dentures and bridges are one option, a dental implant has become the preferred choice by oral surgeons. As a permanent solution, people can eat, talk and smile as they always have.

Dental implants for restoration purposes work incredibly well. Not only is this a great way to replace a missing tooth but also prevent bone loss of the jawbone. Unlike dentures and bridges, a patient’s bone has nothing to grow around. However, with a titanium screw placed in the bone, that starts the osseointegration process. In other words, the jawbone begins to grow around the implant with the two becoming one.

What happens is that as a person with a dental implant chews, that pressure stimulates the jawbone. In response, the bone starts to regenerate. Ultimately, this prevents the patient from developing atrophy, which could affect their smile. Dental implants do their job in that the bone goes through a restoration process.

Additional benefits

Another key benefit of a dental implant is that once in place, it will stay there for up to 20 years. Of course, that requires the individual to brush and floss after every meal. It is also essential to have regular checkups done. Unlike dentures, there is no need for recurring adjustments. With proper care, the placement of an implant gives a person a more natural feel. Implants are also more comfortable and have no risk of slipping.

Make the right decision

Regardless of why you have missing teeth, you can replace them and protect your jawbone with dental implants. The procedure might require incisions and sutures, but patients handle these extremely well. After a few weeks of healing, the oral surgeon can place the implants. From there, you can smile as big as you want without any concerns.

Request an appointment here: https://www.preferreddentalcenter.com or call Preferred Dental Center at (210) 822-8500 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.