People who have lost one, several or most of their teeth are likely to experience quite a few problems in the long run. Eating and speaking are affected with tooth loss and missing teeth can also have a negative impact on your oral health. Besides the obvious cosmetic effects, the loss of a tooth can lead to jawbone loss and eventually, further tooth loss.

Having said that, dental implants are the most effective method for preventing bone loss in the jaw. Unlike other tooth replacement options that merely sit on the gums, dental implants fuse with the jawbone and become a permanent part of the mouth. At Farnham Road Dental Practice, we use dental implants in Guilford to support a variety of replacement teeth including single crowns, dentures and bridges.

Understanding how dental implants work

Dental implants are small titanium artificial tooth roots that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace natural missing tooth roots. Since they are made of titanium, a metal which is compatible with human body tissue, dental implants have the ability to attach permanently to the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for replacement teeth, which then look, feel and function just like natural teeth.

How does bone loss work?

When teeth are missing or damaged beyond repair, many people opt for dentures and bridges since they are cheaper than dental implants. However, dentures and bridges do not replace missing tooth roots and this can lead to many problems down the line.

As soon as a tooth is removed, the jawbone stops being stimulated. The jawbone requires stimulation to maintain bone tissue and without it will start to recede. After some time, the receding bone can start to affect the surrounding teeth, making them loose and unstable. Combined with bone loss, this can lead to further tooth loss and a real change in the appearance of the face.

Unfortunately, dentures and bridges cannot prevent this from happening. However, dental implants ensure that the jaw receives constant simulation in the form of biting and chewing. For this reason, dental Implants are, by far, the most effective treatment for preventing bone loss and stimulating bone growth within the jaw.