Dental Implants in State College Can Stop Bone Loss

January 14, 2019

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: — drdevlin @ 5:22 pm

digital image of dental implantYour teeth can last for a lifetime over the years. Now, new advancements in dentistry make it possible to ensure they last. Despite these innovations, tooth loss remains a prevalent problem. In fact, 120 million adults are missing at least one tooth. If you have lost one, you may not feel it is a top priority to have it replaced; however, if you do not, you will lose density in your jawbone. You can protect your oral health and complete your smile using the only solution to stop bone loss. You can make an investment with dental implants in State College.

Consequences of a Missing Tooth

When you lose a tooth, the crown is not the only thing missing. You also lose the root. As a result, your jawbone is no longer stimulated, so it slowly deteriorates. Your alveolar bone can decrease in width by as much as 25% within the first year. Over the next few years, you can lose 4 millimeters of its height. Afterward, your basal bone will also deteriorate. The distance between your nose and chin will shrink, causing the lower portions of your face to collapse.

Changes to your facial appearance are not the only concern. The loss of your bone density makes any remaining natural teeth lose support, causing them to shift toward the open space. This causes alignment issues that increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease because it makes your teeth more difficult to clean. It can also change your bite as well. As your teeth lose more support, they may eventually become loose and fall out.

Preserving Your Smile

While there are several solutions to fill the space of missing teeth, only one stops bone loss. Dental implants not only replace the crown of the tooth but the root as well. Surgically placing the post into your jawbone serves as a new root. This stimulates the jawbone to encourage new growth. This gives your remaining teeth the support they need to stay in place while also preserving your facial structures. As new bone grows, your jaw will also fuse the implant posts, allowing them to stay in place forever with the right care.

Unfortunately, you must have enough bone density to support dental implants. Therefore, if you have lost bone, you may not be a candidate for them, but that does not mean you are out of options. Bone grafting will improve your density in weakened areas to allow you to have the implant posts placed to complete your smile.

Overcome Missing Teeth Today!

You do not need to live with the complications of missing teeth with the most successful tooth replacement option.

About Dr. Chris J. Devlin

Dr. Chris J. Devlin is a trusted dentist in State College for advanced dental care. He offers the latest solutions to replace missing teeth, including dental implants. If you are ready to treat your tooth loss, he can help. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for a complete smile.

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