Beyond the Smile: Hidden Consequences of Tooth Loss and the Power of Dental Implants
If you have lost any of your teeth, you no doubt realize there are consequences to living without them: Your smile may not look the way you want it to; eating, speaking and intimacy may be more difficult; and your self-confidence may fade. Though serious, these are not the only impacts. There are hidden consequences of losing teeth that affect not only your appearance but also your health.
The Impact of Tooth Loss on Jawbone and Face
Importantly, a loss of jawbone inevitably follows tooth loss. Bone needs stimulation to maintain its form and density, and this stimulation comes from the teeth. When a tooth is lost, the stimulation disappears:
- In just the first year of tooth loss, there is a 25% decrease in bone width, followed by a decrease in height over the next few years.
- As bone loss continues, the distance from nose to chin can decrease and the lower third of the face partially collapses. This lack of structural support can cause the lips to sag, making toothless people often appear unhappy.
- Extreme loss of bone can make an individual more prone to jaw fractures.
Additionally, remaining teeth may shift into the open spaces, causing additional bite problems and even jaw joint (TMJ) pain. Compromised nutrition and poor general health can also result if eating healthy foods like raw fruits and vegetables becomes too difficult.
How Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss
Here’s the good news: Dental implants—the state-of-the-art tooth-replacement method preferred by dentists—can prevent all this.
Because they are made of titanium, which has a unique ability to fuse to living bone, dental implants actually become a permanent part of the jawbone. This fusion process stabilizes and stimulates the bone to maintain its volume and density. The implants are placed during a minor surgical procedure and then topped with a lifelike dental crown. Together, these components look, feel, and function exactly like your natural teeth, with success rates exceeding 95%.
Comparison to Other Tooth Replacement Options
Other tooth-replacement options, such as fixed bridgework and removable dentures, have disadvantages:
- Fixed Bridges: Rely on support from two adjacent, possibly healthy teeth, which must be filed down and capped, potentially making them susceptible to decay.
- Removable Dentures: Hook onto existing teeth, which may become loose. Full dentures press on the bony ridges that used to support the teeth, accelerating the bone loss that began when the teeth were lost.
While these options may be less expensive initially, dental implants offer the best long-term value and are an enduring investment in your comfort, health, and well-being. Contact Schaefer Dental Group in Lansing today to discuss how dental implants can secure your smile and your health.