A lost tooth can raise some serious concerns. Chief among them is the fear that the lost tooth will destroy one’s appearance. Thankfully, dentistry has tooth-replacement methods that can fill the gap in a smile. At the summit of these methods stand dental implants. In addition to filling in gaps, they offer several other benefits Dr. Deborha Staten addresses below.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- They feel natural. Dental implants rely on a titanium post to act as an anchor for a prosthetic tooth. The post is surgically inserted into the jaw, and once in position, it fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Once this process is complete, the prosthetic tooth can be attached, and with its titanium “root” in the jawbone, just like, it has a feel similar to that of a living tooth.
- They help prevent further tooth loss. Sometimes when a tooth falls out, a condition called the domino effect begins. The domino effect occurs when more tooth loss follows the initial loss. This condition occurs because of malnutrition in teeth near the vacated area. Following the initial loss, the body stops sending nutrients to the vacated area. Unfortunately, the nearby teeth sometimes don’t receive adequate nutrition. Dental implants work against this condition because of the presence of the post in the jawbone. The body recognizes the post as a tooth’s root and restores the flow of nutrients.
- They encourage a healthy jawbone. Bone cells rely on the transmission of the forces generated by biting and chewing. These forces stimulate the bone cells and encourage good bone density. Without stimulation, however, bone density can suffer, which is where dental implants become useful. The post transmits the forces of chewing to the bone cells, encouraging a healthy jawbone.
Dental Implants from Your Las Vegas Dentist
Have you lost a tooth recently? Dental implants can replace your tooth and improve your oral health. Contact Dr. Staten today by calling our office at 702-736-7979.