Dental Implants: Replacement Tooth Roots - Lifecore - Dental Patient Education Resources

Dental Implants: Replacement Tooth Roots
Dental implants are substitute, or replacement tooth roots. They provide the same function as natural tooth roots, including stimulating the bone, thereby preserving it and preventing the bone loss that would normally occur with tooth loss. The jawbone actually forms a bond with the dental implants, creating a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.
The impact of deteriorating bone from complete tooth loss includes collapsed facial profiles, lost lip support, increased wrinkles around the mouth and the appearance of a pointed nose and chin that are too close together.
Tooth replacement with dental implants prevents further deterioration of facial structures and the related health problems that would normally occur with complete tooth loss.
The Consequences of Tooth Loss: Front Teeth
Problems with Front Tooth Loss
- Bone collapses, or caves in where tooth root is missing
- Defects in bone are visible and difficult to camouflage
- Bridges require grinding down adjacent teeth to fit and cement in place
- Bridges and partials are not cosmetically acceptable long term when bone collapses behind the false tooth
The Benefits of Replacing Lost Front Teeth
Consequences of Tooth Supported Bridge
- Bone collapses/caves in behind false tooth since root is not replaced
- Requires grinding down adjacent teeth, permanently destroying tooth structure
- Long-term cosmetic appearance compromised due to bone collapse ~ defect is visible
- Can be difficult to clean
- As cement washes out, teeth under bridge often decay
- If a bridge fails, additional teeth are often cut down to provide more support
Long-Term Benefits of an Implant Approach
- Replaces tooth root, which preserves bone
- Does not require require grinding down adjacent teeth
- Prevents bone collapse, providing better long-term cosmetic appearance
- Cleaned like a natural tooth ~ more hygienic
- Looks, feels, functions like natural tooth ~ but does not decay
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