If you’ve lost one or more teeth, then you might already recognize the importance of replacing them. However, you might not realize just how important it is to choose the right dental prosthesis according to your needs and preferences. For example, dental implant-supported restorations not only rebuild the visible parts of your teeth, but also the roots that supported them. At our Grand Prairie, TX, dental office, we may suggest supporting your replacement teeth on one or more dental implants to optimize the long-term health of your smile.
Understanding what you’ve lost
The loss of your teeth roots can have a bigger impact on your oral health than you may realize. They’re ability to support your teeth can seem obvious, but they also serve to support and strengthen your jawbone. Every time you bite and chew, teeth roots stimulate the jawbone and promote a healthy flow of nutrients. This stimulation and nutrient flow can suffer when you lose one or more teeth roots, and dental implants are the only way to reestablish them. Otherwise, your jawbone can gradually lose mass and density as time goes on, increasing your risks of losing more teeth in the future.
The main goals of dental implants
Dental implants consist of root-like posts crafted from biocompatible titanium and are designed to become permanent parts of your jawbone. After they’re inserted, your jawbone heals to their surfaces, which resembles the way in which it also supports your healthy, natural teeth roots. The goals of dental implants are the same as your teeth roots, as well – to support your replacement teeth comfortably and securely, and to promote a healthier, stronger jawbone for life. For example, when supported by dental implants, your replacement teeth won’t need the support of hidden clasps or adhesives to remain steady.
The advantages to your long-term smile
The ability to reestablish stimulation in your jawbone is one of the most advantages of dental implants. When it occurs, jawbone degradation resulting from diminished stimulation can have several notable effects. For example, in addition to an increased risk of tooth loss, jawbone degradation can also lead to visual effects in your facial appearance, such as sunken cheekbones and surrounding facial structures. Known as facial collapse, this effect can be prevented by reestablishing stimulation with the help of dental implants.
Replace your lost teeth with dental implants
Your teeth are meant to do a lot for your oral health. When you lose one or more of them, your long-term smile depends on how well your replacement teeth can reestablish those functions. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith and out team, call Pecan Tree Dental in Grand Prairie, TX, today at (972) 262-5111.
