Avoiding Bone Loss in Your Jaw

One of the biggest downsides to tooth loss is often ignored. Many people are well aware of the functional disability from missing teeth or how it can negatively affect your smile. However, missing teeth can also result in bone loss in the jaw, which leads to facial collapse and premature aging.

Why does missing teeth cause bone loss? Our jawbone carries an important role in the overall skeletal system. Essentially, your jawbone is the framework of your face. Strong muscles need the jawbone to hold on to for support. Bones need correct chewing forces to maintain their density and form. When a tooth is lost, the lack of stimulation to its supporting bone causing a decrease in volume. This happens quicker than most people realize; as much as 25% of bone loss occurs during the first year of losing a tooth.

While traditional teeth replacement options such as dentures or bridges may fix your ability to eat and speak properly, they do not address the bone loss issue. Dental implants are considered a permanent replacement of tooth loss. They fully address this critical concern of bone loss from missing teeth. A dental implant involves a surgical placement of a titanium post that acts as a tooth root. The implant is allowed to fuse to your existing jawbone; thus keeping your jaw bone and muscles properly stimulated during chewing a speaking. Patients who choose dental implants for multiple missing teeth enjoy the aesthetic, functional and psychological benefits of a more symmetrical and younger looking face, as bone loss in your jaw bone gives a sunken and aged appearance.

Ask a dental implants specialists about how you can avoid bone loss after missing teeth. An attractive smile needs to be a healthy one as well!