Millions of people have one or more missing teeth, and the adverse effects of this dental issue can include difficulty eating or speaking and a decrease in self-esteem. If you have missing teeth, dental implants may be an option to help you recover your smile and your oral health. However, it’s essential that you have a healthy jawbone with sufficient density before being considered for dental implants. So, why do bone health and dental implants go hand in hand? Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Bone Density?
Because your jawbone holds your teeth in place, it must be dense enough to do its job. If your jawbone isn’t as healthy or dense as it should be, you could experience tooth loss or gum disease. The same is true for dental implants; to function properly, a dental implant must be placed into a healthy jawbone.
Bone Health and Dental Implants
The first part of the dental implant procedure is placing a titanium post into your jaw; this post will be responsible for supporting a dental crown, bridge, or denture. For the dental implant to successfully fuse to your jawbone through a process known as osseointegration, you must have enough healthy bone density to support your new teeth.
In addition to providing a solid foundation for your dental implant, a healthy jawbone will give you a greater chance of implant success and potentially cause fewer complications in the future.
Causes of Decreased Bone Density
Several factors can contribute to low jawbone density, including the following:
- Tooth loss – Without your tooth’s roots, your jaw can deteriorate due to lack of stimulation.
- Gum disease – Periodontal disease can weaken your jawbone.
- Oral hygiene – Poor oral hygiene can decrease your bone density.
- Age – As you age, your bone density might naturally decrease.
- Osteoporosis – One of the potential effects of osteoporosis is decreased bone density.
Interested in Dental Implants in Mesquite, TX?
When you’re ready to replace your missing teeth, the expert dental team at Town East Dental Group can help! We can guide you through the dental implant process, from consultation to your new, beautiful smile. You can reach our dental office at (972) 270-2911 for more information. We can’t wait to see you!