Pasadena and Deer Park Implant Dentistry
Bone Loss and Bone Grafting:
The most common cause of losing the jaw bone’s width and height is tooth loss. This happens from decay, gum disease, infection, pathology, or trauma. When a tooth is lost, the supporting bone undergoes substantial shrinkage and remodeling that leads to bony defects that can affect patient’s chewing ability, smile, and appearance. It is important to note that this bone loss is accelerated in patients who wear dentures. The rubbing of the denture on the gum tissue quickens the bone loss. However, bone is entirely preventable with dental implants!
The easiest approach to prevent bone loss is the replacement of missing teeth with dental implants. Dental implants replace the entire structure of the tooth. Thus, the forces of chewing are transmitted down into the bone. This stimulation keeps the bone healthy and robust. these stop further jawbone loss and deterioration as they bond and hold the jaw bone. Implants are made of biologically compatible “bone-friendly” titanium that naturally heals and integrates with the surrounding bone tissue. The body thinks the implant is a tooth, and bone will grow around and fuse to the new titanium “root.” This fusion of bone to titanium is even stronger than the original root. Because titanium is accepted so well by the human body, it is also used for orthopedic implants, such as hip and knee replacements.
Dental implants are the most conservative treatment option. They do not damage adjacent teeth like bridges and partial dentures. Dental implants look, function and feel just like your natural teeth. Moreover, dental implants are the wisest investment for your pocket and most importantly for your health as they have a lifetime success of 95% – 99%. Whereas, bridges have an extremely high failure rate. which have only a few years’ lifespan.
Another approach in prevention of bone loss is bone grafting at time of tooth extraction. This is to augment the existing bone by placing bone graft into the socket. This is more of a stop gap as the augmented bone will also start to resorb and fade away. However, bone grafting is a great way to preserve the jawbone until the patient can proceed with the dental implant.
With dental implants and bone grafting techniques, we can predictably preserve the jaw bone, replace missing teeth, and keep patients eating, smiling, and living healthy happy lives. Visit us at 3421 Burke Rd #1 today for your dental implant needs. See why Dr. Nugent is a regional leader in dental implant care.
Call us at 713-941-1812