Wrinkles and other facial changes are a normal and inevitable part of the aging process. However, losing one or more teeth can bring these changes about much earlier than typical. Is there anything you can do to slow things down?
At the Yuba City Dentistry Group, we consider dental implants your ideal option to replace lost teeth. A well placed implant will help prevent bone loss and keep you looking your youngest.
How Losing Teeth Affects the Jawbone
The action of chewing when you eat provides stimulation to your jawbone, which keeps it strong and healthy. However, when you lose a tooth, you lose the jaw stimulation along with it.
Eventually, your body begins to reabsorb the bone that previously held your tooth in place. As your jawbone begins to shrink, wrinkles appear causing you to appear older. Additionally, your weakened jaw becomes more susceptible to fractures and breaks.
How Implants Help
Dental implants serve as “replacement teeth”, providing the stimulation your jawbone needs to keep it strong. In time, dental implants will even fuse with the jawbone, making them a permanent part of your mouth. If cared for properly, implants will last a lifetime.
Other methods of tooth replacement, such as bridges or dentures, may also preserve your smile. Used alone, though, they don’t offer the same level of support for your jaw. Fortunately, implants may now be used to help secure dental appliances such as bridges and dentures. Doing so not only keeps the appliance from shifting, it also provides the jawbone with the stimulation it needs.
A Solution for You
Whether you’re looking for an implant to replace an individual tooth or to secure a bridge or dentures, we can help. Call and make an appointment today! We’ll help find the solution that’s best for you.
