Your teeth are supported by alveolar bone, which allows you to bite into tough foods without straining, cracking or breaking a tooth. That bone structure can weaken with time for a variety of reasons, including poor dental care. The good news is that the professionals at West Somerville Dental Associates can strengthen your bite and beautify your smile with dental implants.
You probably have a lot of questions about implants. For instance, how much do dental implants cost? How long does it take to have dental implants installed? Those questions are important, but the starting point is understanding how dental implants can help you overcome bone loss.
- Dental bone loss is often caused by a lack of dental care.
- If you aren’t brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, you’re at risk for bone loss.
- The longer you live with one or more missing teeth, the more likely you are to suffer dental bone loss.
- Your friendly dentists at West Somerville Dental Associates can help you overcome or prevent bone loss by installing dental implants. We work hard to keep dental implant costs reasonable so that this treatment is accessible for all Somerville residents.
The Importance of Oral Health
Dental bone loss is sometimes hereditary. In most cases, it’s the result of inadequate professional dental care and/or inefficient oral care. If you aren’t doing the following, you’re potentially at risk for bone loss:
- Flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice a day
- Visiting the West Somerville Dental Associates for a dental exam and cleaning at least twice a year
The lack of proper oral care allows plaque to build up on your teeth. That plaque harbors harmful bacteria that will eventually cause tooth decay and gum disease. Those dental problems lead to the loss of bone, which weakens your bite and leaves you vulnerable to losing your teeth. Missing teeth can further deteriorate the strength of your supporting bone structure.
Delaying Dental Care Is Dangerous
The longer you live with missing teeth, the more your bone structure is likely to shrink. Dental bone is reinforced by the pressure applied by the teeth. Each tooth that you lose lightens that pressure, allowing the bone to deteriorate gradually.
Have you noticed that people without teeth have a sunken appearance to their lower face? That’s the result of shrinking dental bone. Not only does it impact your appearance, but it’s also likely to impact your ability to speak clearly and chew your favorite foods.
How Bone Grafting Repairs Bone Density
When you talk to the professionals at West Somerville Dental Associates about installing dental implants, we start with a thorough medical and dental background. We then examine your current dental condition and take x-rays to analyze the health and density of your current bone structure.
If it’s determined that you don’t have adequate bone to support dental implants, bone grafting is a possible solution. Your natural bone is removed from another part of your body and transplanted into your jaw. That creates a stronger dental bone structure to support one or more implants.
Why are Dental Implants the Solution for Bone Loss?
Dental implants can stop gradual bone loss by applying the pressure that was once provided by your natural teeth. Think of an implant as an artificial root system that supports a crown and extends into the supporting bone. It’s made of titanium and is completely safe for long-term wear inside your body. Your dentist will surgically install it through your gum, allowing it to fuse with the supporting bone structure just like a real tooth.
When your natural teeth no longer do their job, we can create prosthetics that fix the problem. The crowns placed on top of your implants will look natural. They won’t stress the surrounding teeth and will function just like your natural teeth. You never have to take dental implants out to clean, eat or sleep.
Receive the Dental Care You Deserve Today
Are you concerned about the cost of dental implants? Are you looking for a trustworthy provider offering dental implants near me? If so, the dentists at West Somerville Dental Associates are waiting for your call. We strive to make the process smooth and effective.
We want to ensure that every Somerville resident has access to dental implants and any other dental services that they need. If it’s been more than six months since you’ve received a dental exam and cleaning, that’s the starting point to assess the current condition of your teeth, gums, and bone. Schedule your appointment today and let us know that you’re interested in learning more about dental implants.