Tooth loss doesn’t just impact your appearance—it also affects the health of your jawbone. Without stimulation from tooth roots, the jawbone begins to shrink, potentially altering your facial structure and risking the health of neighboring teeth. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that actively works to prevent this kind of bone loss.
Why Missing Teeth Lead to Bone Loss
Your jawbone requires constant stimulation to maintain its strength and density. This usually comes from chewing and biting. After tooth loss, the underlying jawbone no longer gets that stimulation naturally. Untreated tooth loss can cause bone resorption, where the body starts reabsorbing bone tissue that’s no longer “necessary.” Over time, this can lead to:
- A sunken or prematurely aged facial appearance
- Shifting of nearby teeth
- Increased risk of further tooth loss
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium pegs surgically implanted into a person’s jawbone after tooth loss to restore the feel and function of natural tooth roots. In the 3-6 months following the placement procedure, a dental implant fuses permanently with the jawbone via osseointegration. Once this process is complete and the implant is securely in place, there is no greater or longer-lasting alternative to natural dental roots. With proper care, most dental implants last multiple decades.
How Do Dental Implants Preserve Bone Health?
The most important aspect of implants fusing permanently with the jawbone is ongoing stimulation to prevent resorption.
- Maintaining jawbone volume and density
- Preserving facial contours and symmetry
- Providing a long-lasting, stable tooth replacement
Implants also support better oral health overall, helping you maintain proper bite alignment and making it easier to chew, speak, and smile confidently.
Rebuilding Healthy Smiles with Dental Implants in Madison, AL
Dental implants do more than replace teeth—they protect the structure beneath your smile. If you're missing one or more teeth and want to learn more about their remarkable restorative power, contact Dr. Andrew Henninger and the caring and knowledgeable West Madison Dental team today to schedule a consultation.