Out of all the benefits dental implants provide, jaw bone preservation is one of the most impressive. Jaw bone deterioration affects not only your teeth but also your physical appearance. Dental implants can help you smile confidently and comfortably, while preventing unnecessary pain and the loss of jaw bone density.
Dr. Bebeau, Arizona’s leading oral surgeon, provides dental implants at Oral Maxillofacial Surgery of Phoenix. Dr. Bebeau specializes in All-on-4 implants, which can replace a missing tooth while preserving your jaw bone and giving you a stronger, healthier smile.
What Causes Jaw Bone Deterioration?
Many things can cause jaw bone deterioration from aging to gum disease to missing teeth. When your jaw bone gets weaker it can make everyday activities like eating and talking to friends quite difficult.
Signs you have jaw bone loss can include:
Pain when eating
Changes in facial structure, such as sagging
Difficulty speaking
Shifting or loose teeth
Missing Teeth
When you have a missing tooth, your jaw bone doesn’t have the support and structure it needs to grow. In order for the jaw bone to maintain itself, there needs to be pressure applied to the bone. This pressure usually comes from things like chewing and talking. The pressure sends signals to bone cells called osteoblasts which help regenerate the jaw bone.
Gum Disease
Also known as periodontitis, gum disease is another top cause of jaw bone deterioration. When you have gum disease, bacteria build up on your teeth and gums, starting infections that eventually spread to the jaw bone. You can prevent gum disease by brushing twice a day, flossing to prevent plaque buildup, and getting professional cleanings twice a year.
How Do Dental Implants Help Bone Growth?
In addition to giving you a natural, confident smile, dental implants can strengthen your jaw bone, even if it has significantly deteriorated. To strengthen your jaw and encourage bone growth, you need to give it stimulation. Dental implants provide the structure and pressure needed to stimulate your jaw bone and keep it healthy.
If you’re missing a tooth and you don’t get a dental implant, your jaw bone doesn't get enough stimulation, which leads to further deterioration. Osteoclasts, the cells that absorb bone, will begin to dissolve the bone because there are no signals to tell them that it is actually needed.
Jaw Bone Health and Dental Implant Eligibility
In order to get dental implants, you must have sufficient jaw bone for the implant to fit securely. While there isn’t a set amount of bone needed, it needs to be strong enough to hold the implant. If you have gum disease or are a smoker you may not be able to receive dental implants due to your weakened jaw bone structure.
If you have healthy gums, good dental hygiene, and enough jaw bone, you may be a candidate for dental implants. To determine whether or not you could get implants, schedule an appointment at our office, and Dr. Bebeau will examine the quality of the bone in your jaw to see if dental implants can help restore its density.
Regrow Your Jaw Bone with Dental Implants in Phoenix
Getting dental implants can give you a natural smile while preserving your jaw bone, leading to a healthier smile that you feel confident showing off. If you’re experiencing jaw pain or have a missing tooth, visit Dr. Bebeau at Oral Maxillofacial Surgery of Phoenix. We can answer all of your questions and determine whether dental implants could restore your jaw. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/17/2022). Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash