Tooth loss is a challenging condition that can have a badly affect a person’s self-esteem. If left untreated, tooth loss can result in the deterioration of the jawbone and further tooth loss. Luckily, dental implants provide a lasting solution to tooth loss, while also preventing bone loss.
In Basingstoke, dental implants are offered by many dental practices, including Glenholme Dental. Unlike conventional dentures and bridges, dental implants are attached to the jawbone, providing a strong and stable foundation for replacement teeth. But how exactly do dental implants prevent bone loss?
What are dental implants?
In order to understand the way dental implants in Basingstoke protect the jawbone, it is necessary to understand how they work. Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically embedded into the jawbone, where they replace missing tooth roots.
Because titanium is a material that is compatible with the human body, dental implants attach to the bone tissue and gradually become a part of the mouth, creating a strong foundation for replacement teeth such as crowns, bridges and dentures.
This process, also known as osseointegration, is followed by a healing period, where the titanium posts are gradually incorporated into the bone tissue. Once the healing period has passed, the dentist can mount the replacement teeth on top of the dental implants.
The root of the problem
Even the strongest jawbones require an adequate amount of stimulation in order to remain dense and healthy. One of the many functions of teeth is to stimulate the jaw through biting and chewing. This results in a strong jawbone that can adequately support the teeth. When a patient loses teeth, the jawbone no longer receives the required stimulation, resulting in a weaker, deteriorating jawbone that will eventually alter the shape of the face and lead to further tooth loss.
How can dental implants help?
While dental implants in Basingstoke replace missing teeth and guard against the loss of jawbone tissue, they also prevent further bone loss. Dental implants differ from other tooth replacement options, such as dentures and bridges, since they function as replacement tooth roots. Once they are in place, the jawbone will receive enough stimulation and respond accordingly by regenerating.
