Have you ever noticed someone whose mouth or jawline looked “short” or thinner over time? Perhaps it almost seemed as if it were a sign of aging? The short jaw height that you’re seeing is actually a sign of bone loss, or what we refer to as “resorption.”
Bone resorption is a common side-effect of tooth loss. Any time a tooth is extracted or falls out due to disease, the immediate bone around where the root once sat will start to resorb or shrink away. This resorption weakens the jaw and can also jeopardize the integrity of any remaining teeth.
For denture wearers, dental implants for bone loss can be an effective long-term solution.
How Dental Implants for Bone Loss Works
Our dental implants in Vista trigger something called “osseointegration.” Osseointegration is a natural process where our jaw bone forms a new thin layer of bone immediately around a dental implant, fusing it into place. As you might guess, dental implants near you essentially help stop the bone loss process and prevent more bone from resorbing in that immediate area.
Dental implants are the only type of tooth replacement that triggers this osseointegration process. It has to do with the material that the implants are made out of; in this case, titanium. Titanium is a biocompatible material that’s completely hypoallergenic and routinely used in joint replacement. It’s extremely beneficial in that it not only restores the tooth or bone area that’s missing but scientifically strengthens the areas immediately adjacent to it.
Then there’s the functional benefit of dental implants. Whenever you bite or chew into food, it places pressure on the implant and in turn, the bone around it. The stimulation of biting pressure also helps maintain bone density. But unfortunately, you don’t get that with dentures.
“What if I Keep Wearing Dentures?”
It’s natural for denture wearers to continue to see bone resorption slightly advance over time. That’s one reason why a denture may fit extremely well one day, but a few years down the road it doesn’t. As your bone anatomy changes due to continued resorption, a removable prosthesis like a denture or partial will feel different in your mouth.
Without intercepting bone loss early enough, your overall jaw will continue to “shrink” or look “short.” In turn, your facial profile will appear prematurely aged as your lips, cheeks, and other soft tissues begin to look more sullen.
The best thing to do if you’re experiencing bone loss after dentures is to talk to our dentist in Vista about dental implants. Our dentist near you can help replace your teeth with permanently fixed restorations that fit securely all day, every day.
Can I Get Dental Implants if I’ve Had Bone Loss?
Working with an experienced implant dentist in Vista is essential. Since implants need to be placed in areas of quality bone, we’ll want to precisely plan out the exact location of each implant site. The good news is that thanks to advanced imaging techniques, we can limit the need for more complex procedures (like bone grafting or sinus lifts, to make room for the implants.)
The sooner you move forward with dental implant therapy, the quicker you’ll be able to help stop bone loss in those areas of your mouth. Plus, the fixed restoration — be it a dental implant bridge or a full-arch design — will add more volume and height to your bite’s anatomy. That way your jaw won’t look as short. In turn, your facial profile will appear more “filled out” than it was before you got dental implants.
Visit Our Implant Dentist in Vista
At Ivory Point Dentistry, we provide comprehensive dental implant treatments for all of your missing tooth needs. Whether you want to restore your entire smile or there are just a few teeth missing, implants are a smart long-term investment. Plus, they’re the longest-lasting missing tooth treatment in modern dentistry.
Contact our dentist in Vista today to reserve a consultation and find out if dental implants are right for you! Flexible low and 0% interest financing options are available.
