Your smile is strongest when all of your natural teeth (with the exception of some wisdom teeth) are present. The loss of your permanent adult teeth can take a negative toll against your oral health. Tooth loss can lead to a loss of bone density in your supportive structures, a loss of confidence in your smile’s appearance, and a loss of your mouth’s important functions. Dental implants can help to fortify the bones that support your smile while supporting a prosthetic that can restore your smile’s appearance and functionality. Your dentist in Lafayette, LA, can help you determine if a dental implant can play an important role in your smile.
Defense Against Bone Loss
The roots of your teeth stimulate the bone and tissue of your jaw; this stimulation encourages your body to provide important nutrients to the area. When you experience tooth loss, you lose the top part of your tooth along with the roots. Without this vital stimulation, your body begins to believe that nutrients are no longer needed for that area and it will start sending the essential nutrients elsewhere. Over time, this lack of support from the body will cause the bone to start losing density in a process called bone resorption. This can cause the area to soften and lose strength. A weak jawbone cannot properly support your remaining teeth or even replacement prosthetic teeth. It can change the way your cheeks and jaw look. A dental implant provides the stimulation that keeps your body sending nutrients that keep your jaw fortified and strong.
Natural Looking Support
An implant that supports a crown, dentures, or a bridge allows the prosthetic to rest closer to the gum tissue for a more natural appearance. It also provides a permanent fixed support that can lead to a longer lasting fit. Without an implant, the jaw can soften and change shape, which can affect the way a prosthetic fits in your smile.
Have you experienced tooth loss?
Dental implants can play an important role in restoring your smile after tooth loss. To schedule a consultation, contact us at our Lafayette, LA, dentist’s office at 337-237-6453. We proudly serve patients from Breaux Bridge, Broussard, Scott, Youngsville, and surrounding communities.