Let’s say you need a tooth replacement, and you’re trying to decide between dentures and dental implants. Should you go with the tried-and-true restoration that has been used since ancient times, or the modern one that takes advantage of newer technology? It’s ultimately up to you, but there’s a key difference you should know about: dental implants, not dentures, can prevent jawbone loss!
To learn more about what this means for you and your smile, keep reading.
The Science of Jawbone Loss
Normally, the dental roots anchoring your tooth to your jaw provide essential stimulation to the bone. When you chew and bite down, the pressure transferred along the roots lets your body know that your jawbone still needs to be sent nutrients. No tooth and no roots means that the affected portion of your jawbone isn’t communicating, so your body essentially starts to reabsorb it and transfer nutrients elsewhere.
While the science of jawbone loss is rather fascinating, it’s not very good for your oral function and facial structure!
How Your Jawbone Responds to Dentures
Dentures can provide some stimulation to your jawbone. Since they suction to and rest on your gums, a little bit of pressure does get communicated to the bone. However, it’s not enough to completely prevent jawbone loss. At the end of the day, dentures can only slow the rate of reabsorption.
How Dental Implants Preserve Your Facial Structure
Instead of relying on the power of suction to stay in place, dental implants use biocompatible materials to take advantage of osseointegration. Now, that was a lot of technical words, so let’s break this down:
Osseointegration is a natural, biological process where bone matter will actually fuse with and grow around materials that are similar enough to its chemical structure.
Biocompatible materials like titanium and zirconia are ideal for osseointegration. While the visible part of your dental implant will likely be made from porcelain, the post that will root through your gums and anchor to your jawbone will be either titanium or zirconia.
Basically, dental implants are able to replace both your tooth and its dental roots, providing the essential stimulation your jawbone craves. With this device as your restoration, you’ll effectively preserve your facial structure and oral function!
Talk to Your Oral Surgeon About Your Options
Dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacements for a reason, but they’re not for everyone. Depending on your needs and preferences, you might prefer dentures after all – or you might decide to combine the two prosthetics into an implant denture! The only way to know for sure is to talk to your oral surgeon. They’ll go over each treatment in more detail and help you choose the best solution for your smile.
About the Practice
If you’re considering dental implants in Jupiter, you’ll want your treatment to be led by a team of experts. At South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we have not one, not two, but five board-certified oral surgeons on our team! With their expertise at the helm, you can relax and focus on enjoying the benefits of your new smile. To contact our office with questions or concerns about dental implants or other such treatments, call (561) 221-0111.