Dental Implants and Bone Regeneration

Patients with missing teeth can find an effective and permanent tooth replacement solution with dental implants. Implants restore oral function as well as improve the appearance of your smile. Dental implants can also protect and rejuvenate bone in your jaw. Learn more about dental implants and bone regeneration from Dr. Brian Sang, a dentist in Florence, SC.dental implants dentist florence sc

Why would my jawbone deteriorate?

When patients are missing teeth, their jawbone is at risk of deteriorating. This is because the root of a tooth stimulates the jawbone. When it is absent, this bone deteriorates. This can weaken the foundation for your remaining teeth and potentially lead to facial sagging. Dentures might replace the appearance of teeth but do not treat tooth loss in relation to bone in the jaw.

How do dental implants help?

Dental implants involve surgically placed titanium posts into the jaw. Once this has healed, your dentist will use dental bonding to secure a prosthetic tooth or crown to an abutment on the post above the gum line. The dental implant will restore your ability to eat and drink normally as well as fill gaps in your smile. The posts in the jaw also simulate the tooth root which will stimulate the jawbone. This will lower the risk of bone loss in the jaw. The stimulation will also encourage bone regeneration to regrow bone that may have already been lost before the patient received the implant.

Will my jaw support implants?

Dental implants require a certain amount of jawbone to be intact in order to function as an effective tooth replacement solution. Your dentist will examine your jaw with X-ray imaging to determine if your jaw is strong enough to support implants. If too much bone has been lost already due to tooth loss, your dentist may suggest a bone graft to create additional foundation in the jaw. They may also recommend an alternative tooth replacement treatment. Ask your dentist about your eligibility for dental implants promptly if you are missing teeth.

Dental implants available in Florence, SC

Palmetto Smiles offers dental implants and other restorative dentistry treatments to patients in Florence, SC. Dr. Sang also specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 843.203.5155.