If you are currently dealing with unaddressed tooth loss, you can probably already attest to the ways in which it can interfere with your daily life. Biting and chewing can be negatively affected – some people will even see their ability to speak compromised. What you might not realize is that over time, tooth loss will have real effects on your jaw’s health. Your bone mass is sustained in part because of stimulation from the roots of teeth. That stimulation allows you to sustain the necessary blood flow to your jaw, to keep it supplied with the nutrients it needs. A dental implant can also create this stimulation, so your implant-supported prosthetic can protect you from a deterioration of bone mass.
Other Prosthetic Devices Can Fail To Address Jawbone Deterioration
A dental bridge can help patients by offering them a permanent prosthetic that avoids the oral surgery needed to place an implant. However, while there are real advantages to the bridge, it will not take care of the issue of jawbone deterioration. It is possible for implants to be used in the support of a bridge. They can even help support a set of dentures!
Additional Benefits To Using A Dental Implant For Your Prosthetic Support
A dental implant supports your jaw’s health, and it helps limit the movement of teeth by returning support to the roots of surrounding teeth. Without a neighboring root, a tooth may be less secure. An implant-supported prosthetic is also dependable enough to be used when you bite and chew. Your implant is also impressively durable, and in many cases can effectively last a lifetime.