Replacing lost teeth has been a vital part of dental care for ages, and as the science of dentistry has advanced, so has our understanding and methods of dealing with tooth loss. Today, innovative dental implants can serve as prosthetic roots to provide a sturdy foundation, creating a stronger, more effective tooth replacement than was possible before. Today, we explain why your smile requires dental implants to remain healthy after suffering tooth loss.
The Details of Tooth Loss
The visible parts of your teeth, called the crowns, are what most tooth replacement options focus on restoring. By replacing your lost teeth’s crowns, your dental prosthetic will allow you to once again bite, chew, and speak with confidence. However, the ability to eat isn’t the only advantage to having a full set of teeth. Your healthy teeth’s roots are embedded in your jawbone for support, and when they’re stimulated, your body sends an appropriate amount of nutrients to your jawbone to support them. If not replaced, the loss of these roots can lead to the slow deterioration of your jawbone, even if you restore the lost crowns.
A Comprehensive Answer to Tooth Loss
As a prosthetic tooth root, a dental implant is surgically inserted into your jawbone, which then fuses to the implant and holds it securely in place (like your natural tooth roots). One of the greatest and most immediate benefits of securing your replacement teeth to one or more dental implants is the improved security. By mimicking your natural tooth’s root-and-crown structure, an implant-supported prosthetic can function as effectively as your natural teeth. Replacing the roots also help preserve your jawbone’s future integrity, increasing your chances of retaining what’s left of your natural smile.
