A dental implant restoration features a customized crown that superbly mimics the appearance of a real tooth. The crown is strong and stain-resistant, allowing it to last for many years. But did you know that many of the benefits of dental implants exist below the gum line? Your Ankeny dentist, Dr. Erika Peddicord, explains how dental implants prevent tooth-loss complications below.
Dental Implants and the Domino Effect
The domino effect occurs when teeth begin to fall out of the mouth one after another as a result of a single lost tooth. When the first tooth is lost, the body stops sending nutrients to the vacated area. However, the nearby teeth sometimes don’t receive enough nutrients causing them to become malnourished and fall out.
Dental implants restore nutrition because of their posts, which are surgically inserted into the jawbone. The body recognizes a dental implant’s post as a tooth’s root and begins sending nutrients to the area once again. With nutrition restored, the domino effect becomes very unlikely.
Dental Implants and the Jawbone
Nearby teeth are not the only things to suffer from malnutrition when the body stops the flow of nutrients following tooth loss. The jawbone in the vicinity begins to starve as well. In addition, the bone cells in the area of the lost tooth can no longer receive the stimulating forces of biting and chewing that were transferred to them by the tooth. Accordingly, bone density begins to suffer.
However, a dental implant can restore nutrition to the jaw, and its post can transfer the stimulating forces of biting and chewing to the bone cells. With the proper nutrition and stimulation, bone density begins to increase, resulting in a healthier jawbone.
Dental Implants from Your Ankeny Dentist
Have you lost a tooth recently? Do you need a solution? Choose a restoration that does more than fill the gap in your smile. Contact your Ankeny dentist, Dr. Peddicord, to discuss the restorative powers of dental implants by calling 515-963-3339. Our 50021 dentist office welcomes patients from Ankeny, Bondurant, Cambridge, Sheldal, Maxwell, Collins, and all surrounding communities.