Losing teeth can lead to gaps in your smile, which may cause a loss of confidence and discomfort when in social situations or taking photos. This can make it hard to enjoy spending time with loved ones or going out on dates. Fortunately, there are various ways to replace missing teeth, such as dental implants. Not only do they fill in the gaps, but also preserve your facial structure. Continue reading to learn more about how.
How Tooth Loss Impacts Your Facial Structure
Missing teeth can have a more significant impact than just affecting your smile’s appearance. The jawbone in those areas will gradually start to erode due to lack of stimulation, leading to a loss of 25% of jaw mass in the first year alone. This erosion weakens the jawbone and can affect your facial structure, causing sagging that can make you appear older than your age.
In addition to jawbone erosion, missing teeth can also cause surrounding teeth to shift and fill in the gaps. This movement can weaken the adjacent teeth over time, increasing the risk of further tooth loss. As a result, your facial shape can be further impacted.
Why Dental Implants Are the Perfect Solution
While dentures and other tooth replacement options can restore your full smile, they do not offer sufficient stimulation to the jawbone. Thankfully, dental implants can provide this necessary stimulation by fusing with the jawbone through osseointegration. This process takes approximately four to six months and results in implants that are as stable and durable as natural teeth.
Additionally, because dental implants are anchored to the jawbone, they provide better support for adjacent teeth. This prevents them from shifting out of place and potentially causing further dental problems.
Do I qualify for Dental Implants?
Before undergoing dental implant placement, it may be necessary to prepare in certain ways. If you have been without teeth for a while or had them extracted, a bone graft may be necessary. The grafting process involves transplanting bone tissue to the jawbone to strengthen it so that it’s sufficient to support the implants.
In addition, it is crucial to address any pre-existing oral health problems before proceeding with dental implant placement. If you engage in harmful oral habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, these things will need to be ceased to ensure the success of the implant. Furthermore, individuals with conditions such as diabetes, which may affect the healing process, must be closely monitored to ensure proper healing after implant placement.
About the Practice
Residents of Selbyville seeking a team of expert dental health professionals can rely on Dr. James K. Kramer and Dr. Paul J. Kramer. With many years of combined experience, they use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to provide patients with high-quality care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. These skilled practitioners also offer a broad range of exceptional treatments, including dental implants that can fill in gaps in your smile and help you preserve your facial structure. To schedule an appointment with or to learn more about their dental implant services, contact their office at (302) 436-5133 or visit their website.