How Dental Implants Preserve Jawbone

Patients with missing teeth may notice detrimental effects on the function and appearance of their smiles. But further deterioration of their oral health can continue without restorative intervention from their dentists. This may occur even if the underlying causation of the tooth loss has been treated.

Implant dentistry can help patients preserve and enhance their smiles after tooth loss. These individuals should schedule a consultation to determine their eligibility for tooth replacement with implants. Dr. Natasha Radosavljevic, a dentist serving patients in Clearwater, FL, describes the effect that dental implants can have on your jawbone health.

protect jawbone health Clearwater Florida

What Happens to the Jaw After Tooth Loss?

In healthy dental patients, a full set of teeth features roots on each tooth that extend below the gumline to the jaw. These roots stimulate the bone there, keeping it strong. When the root is absent after tooth loss, the jawbone no longer receives stimulation and begins to deteriorate.

Weakening jawbone can mean that remaining teeth will shift out of place and cause further oral health complications. It can also create the appearance of sagging in the face, which may lower an individual’s confidence.

How Do Dental Implants Impact the Jawbone?

Removable tooth replacement solutions like dentures can restore the look and function of a patient’s smile after tooth loss, but they will not treat the absence of the tooth root and preserve the jawbone. A dental implant features a titanium post anchor that a dentist surgically places into the jaw which will support a prosthetic tooth.

The anchor serves as a substitute for the missing tooth root, stimulating the jawbone and stopping its deterioration. It can also encourage bone that has already been lost to regrow. Patients can experience a lifetime of jawbone protection and other restorative benefits with permanent dental implants.

How Will Dentists Know If My Jaw Can Receive Implants?

Because a dental implant relies on an anchor to sustain a prosthetic tooth, a potential implant dentistry patient must have a jaw that is strong enough to support this surgical fixture. If too much bone in the jaw has deteriorated, the patient may not be able to support a dental implant.

If this is the case, the dental professional may recommend treatment to create more stability in the jaw, including a bone graft. They can suggest alternative restorative solutions if this surgery is not feasible. The dentist can evaluate the structure of a patient’s jaw during a consultation appointment using x-ray imaging.

Dental Implants and Tooth Replacements in Clearwater, FL

Dr. Radosavljevic offers dental implants and other tooth replacement solutions to patients in Clearwater, FL. Our practice also specializes in restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry, including periodontal care. If you feel nervous about an upcoming dental procedure, ask your dentist about sedation dentistry options. To schedule an appointment with our team of dental experts, contact our office by phone at 727.360.4302 or reach a member of our staff online.