How Dental Implants Help Stop Jawbone Loss?
When you lose a tooth, it affects more than just the way your smile looks. It can also lead to bone loss in your jaw. This happens because your jawbone needs pressure from your teeth to stay strong. One of the best ways to stop this from happening is with dental implants.
Dental implants not only replace missing teeth, but they also help protect the bone in your jaw. At Modern Dental of Kernersville, we often recommend implants for patients who want a long-lasting, healthy solution after losing a tooth.
Why Bone Loss Happens After Losing a Tooth
Your jawbone stays strong when it gets pressure from your teeth while you chew or bite. Each tooth has a root that helps send this pressure into the bone.
When a tooth is removed or falls out, that pressure disappears. Without it, the jawbone in that area starts to shrink. This can make your face look older, and over time, it can affect how you speak or eat. The longer the area stays without a tooth, the more the bone wears down.
How Dental Implants Protect Your Jawbone
Dental implants are small posts placed into the jawbone where your tooth used to be. These posts act like tooth roots. Once placed, the implant gives your jaw the pressure it needs, just like a real tooth would.
Here’s how dental implants help:
- They keep your bone active. When you chew with an implant, it sends signals to your jawbone to keep growing and stay strong.
- They bond with your jaw. Over time, the implant connects to the bone and becomes part of it. This helps keep the bone from shrinking.
- They keep your teeth in place. When a gap is left for too long, nearby teeth can shift into that space. Implants fill the gap and help prevent movement.
- They support your face shape. A healthy jawbone helps your face look full and natural. Implants help keep this structure in place.
Why Saving Bone Matters
Bone loss in the jaw isn’t just a small issue—it can affect your whole mouth. A weak jawbone can make it harder to eat or talk. It can also make future dental treatments more complicated.
Dental implants are a smart way to avoid these problems. They help you chew properly, protect your other teeth, and keep your mouth healthy for the long run.
What If You Already Have Bone Loss?
Some people wait too long after losing a tooth and start to lose bone in that area. The good news is, you may still be able to get a dental implant. In some cases, our dentist in Kernersville may suggest a simple bone-building treatment first.
At Modern Dental of Kernersville, we check the health of your jawbone before placing an implant. If you need extra support, we’ll walk you through your options.
Conclusion
Losing a tooth doesn’t just leave a gap in your smile; it can also lead to bone loss in your jaw. But you don’t have to let that happen. Dental implants give your jaw the support it needs to stay strong and healthy. They’re a natural, long-term fix that helps protect both your smile and your bone.