Missing teeth cause a slew of complications. In addition to having an impact on appearance, patients with missing teeth experience premature signs of aging, as well as a decrease in jaw bone density and strength. Replacing entire teeth down to their roots with dental implants prevent these issues from occurring while also providing patients with unmatched stability and strength.
Why Replace a Missing Tooth?
When a tooth is lost, the jaw bone goes through a process of resorption which closes the gap where the tooth once occupied at the expense of the surrounding dental structure. As a result, teeth shift, the jaw bone deteriorates, and patients lose biting strength.
While traditional restorations replace the visible portion of the tooth, the root is often left out. Replacing the crown prevents teeth from shifting out of alignment, but leaves the jaw unsupported, resulting in accelerated deterioration.
To avoid these issues, dental implants are placed into the space left by the missing tooth, acting as the natural root and preventing the resorption process. Furthermore, the titanium used to craft dental implant posts is biocompatible and fuses with existing bone, generating united support for the prosthetic, existing bone, and teeth.
Benefits of Receiving Dental Implants
In addition to the health benefits of dental implants, this procedure also prevents patients from experiencing signs of premature aging and loss of jaw strength. Patients who receive dental implants are awarded greater functionality when compared to traditional restorations and are able to comfortably perform daily tasks, such as eating and speaking, without complications. Dental implants work with traditional restorations to completely replace the tooth, from the root to its crown.
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth using a crown, a row of teeth using a bridge, or an entire arch using dentures. This procedure involves permanently affixing a restoration to the jaw bone, which allows easy replacement of the prosthetic should the visible portion become damaged or lose its durability.
Learn More
Find out how you can have your missing teeth replaced using dental implants by calling or visiting our office. Schedule a consultation with our Pikesville dentist to discover options for restoring your complete smile.