There is an obvious connection between missing teeth and loss of bone in the face that many people miss. That ability to chew strongly is a clear benefit when a person replaces missing teeth. However, replacing missing teeth also saves the whole face by keeping underlying bones healthy. The best way to replace missing teeth is through dental implants.
It’s important to understand how missing teeth lead to atrophied bones. Missing teeth lead to a loss of chewing pressure and, thus, nothing stimulates the jawbone. The body interprets this condition, as a signal the jaw is no longer needed. As a result, the body begins dissolving the bone and moving the minerals composing the bone to other parts of the body that need the minerals. Left untreated, the process leaves the rest of the lower face without structure.
The deteriorated bone affects the appearance of the lower portion of the face. As support for the lower face shrinks, the chin appears increasingly pointed, lips fold inward and facial lines become more defined. This causes the person to look older than their years. Dental implants can reverse all of that. And, due to the cosmetic effects, dental implants also can restore a more youthful smile.
These issues all can be avoided by replacing missing before the jawbone begins to atrophy. The best solution is dental implants. Using a titanium post anchored to the bone, dental implants create an artificial root for the new tooth. A ceramic tooth placed on the titanium post looks and acts like the real tooth.
Are you missing teeth recently? If you do, please contact us today to discuss how dental implants can help.