Tooth loss can lead to a chain of subsequent negative outcomes, including the loss of additional teeth, as well as jawbone material. Treatment for those additional dental issues can be quite costly, but patients who choose dental implants may reduce their chances of needing further dental implants.
Dental implants are fundamentally different from other tooth replacement methods because they offer a connection between the prosthetic crown and the jaw. The implant is made of titanium, and bone is capable of forming a biological bond with that material. That bond allows the implant to function like a biological tooth’s root. [pullquote]…patients who choose dental implants may reduce their chances of needing further dental implants.[/pullquote]
By replacing the missing tooth’s root, a dental implant can prevent or limit the ongoing erosion of the jaw that typically occurs after tooth loss. That process, known as jawbone resorption, can put surrounding biological teeth at risk by weakening their connection to the jaw.
When patients opt for a denture or bridge as an alternative tooth replacement, they do not benefit from that stabilizing root-like structure. As a result, the shape of the jaw changes, and that evolving contour can alter the fit of the appliance. Eventually, the jaw may change so much that the appliance must be replaced, at the patient’s expense.
Additionally, dental implants stand alone and do not require any support from surrounding teeth. After the oral surgeon inserts the implants into the jaw, the bone grows around the implant. Compare this to a fixed permanent bridge. The bridge requires that crowns be placed on the teeth adjacent to the empty space. Those crowns then hold the pontic (artificial tooth) in place.
When a dentist places a crown on a healthy tooth, some enamel must be removed to accommodate the crown and that can leave the tooth weaker and more susceptible to damage.
Initial tooth loss can result in ongoing dental problems for many patients. If you want to reduce your risk of further dental health problems and the costs they entail, consider dental implants as a treatment for tooth loss. Call 817-552-3223 to reserve an appointment today.
