If you’ve lost one or more teeth you’re probably looking for a solution. We often restore our patients’ ability to eat and speak and enjoy a full smile again using dental implants. Are dental implants right for you? What does placing them and maintaining them involve?
What Happens When We Lose a Tooth?
When you lose a tooth a chain reaction begins. Your body will notice a missing tooth root and stop sending doses of calcium and phosphorus to the jawbone. Without these nutrients, the jawbone around the lost tooth withers and dissolves, leading to loss of jawbone density and a greater risk of further tooth loss, as well as an older appearance. You can also experience an increased risk of misalignment, as well as TMJ disorder and bruxism. As you can see, replacing a missing tooth is essential for maintaining a healthy smile.
Gum Health
Before recommending dental implants, we will need to look at your gum health. If you have a risk of developing periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease that can cause tooth loss, we may need to treat your underlying gum issues before moving forward. Otherwise, your new tooth could fail.
Jawbone Stability
As we mentioned above, losing teeth can mean the jawbone dissolves, leaving little to support a new tooth. We will need to assess the strength of the jawbone and may recommend a bone grafting procedure before moving forward with placement. However, once placed, dental implants help stimulate jawbone tissue to prevent further tooth loss and an a prematurely aged appearance. If you have any questions about dental implant candidacy then please contact our office today. Don’t let tooth loss have a negative impact on your quality of life!
About Your Arlington Heights Dentist:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities in the Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at (847) 230-9703.