Losing a tooth isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Over time, missing teeth can affect your oral health, your bite, and even the shape of your face. Understanding the hidden consequences of tooth loss, and how modern solutions like dental implants Marysville provide long-term stability, can help you make the best choices for your smile.
The Hidden Problem: Why Your Jawbone Melts Away After Tooth Loss
When a tooth is lost, the body no longer receives stimulation in that area of the jaw. Over time, this leads to bone resorption, a natural process that slowly reduces the jawbone’s volume and density.
The Natural Process of Bone Resorption
Bone is living tissue that requires stimulation to remain strong. Tooth roots provide this stimulation during chewing. Without a root, the jawbone begins to shrink, which can affect surrounding teeth and overall oral structure.
The Visible Cost: Changes to Your Face
Bone loss can negatively affect oral function and alter the appearance of your face. Over time, cheeks may appear sunken, lips may lose support, and wrinkles around the mouth can deepen.
Why Temporary Solutions Fail the Long-Term Test
Bridges and Traditional Dentures Do Not Replace the Root
While dental bridges and dentures can restore the appearance and function of missing teeth temporarily, they do not replace the root. Without a root, jawbone stimulation is lost, and resorption continues. Bridges may also require modification of adjacent healthy teeth, while dentures can slip or cause discomfort over time.
The Permanent Solution: Dental Implants Are the Only True Tooth Root Replacement
Osseointegration: Rebuilding Your Foundation
Dental implants consist of a titanium post placed into the jawbone, acting as a replacement tooth root. Over time, the bone naturally fuses to the implant in a process called osseointegration. This provides a stable, permanent foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture, effectively stopping bone loss in its tracks.
Implants vs. Extraction: Which Is the Best Investment?
Unlike temporary solutions, dental implants preserve jawbone health, protect adjacent teeth, and provide long-lasting function. While the initial procedure may seem more involved, many patients consider it the best investment for oral health and facial structure over the long term.
Your Personalized Solution at Marysville Family Dentistry
At Marysville Family Dentistry, we understand that every patient’s needs are unique. During a consultation, we’ll review your oral health, discuss all available tooth replacement options Marysville, and determine whether dental implants Marysville are the right solution for you.
Don’t wait for bone loss or shifting teeth to complicate your smile. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and explore the long-term benefits of dental implants.