Losing a tooth doesn’t just impact your smile—it can also affect your jawline and overall oral health. Dental implants are a fantastic solution, filling the gap and helping to maintain your jaw’s strength and structure.
At The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin, we’re passionate about preserving your smile and jawline. Our team includes Dr. John Christian Schiro, DDS, with over 600 hours of advanced cosmetic training, and Dr. Chad Orlich, DMD, a specialist in dental implants and periodontal surgery. Together, they’re committed to providing the expert care you need to prevent bone loss and keep your smile looking its best.
What Happens When You Lose a Tooth?
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone no longer receives the stimulation it needs to stay strong and healthy. This process, known as bone resorption, can lead to bone deterioration, which may cause the jawline to shrink or sag over time. As the bone continues to lose density, it can change the overall shape of your face, often leading to a sunken or aged appearance.
If you’ve experienced tooth loss, you’re likely familiar with these concerns. Addressing tooth loss quickly is essential to prevent these long-term changes in your facial structure and oral health.
How Dental Implants Help Prevent Bone Loss
Dental implants are unique in their ability to perform like natural teeth, providing crucial structural support to the jawbone. These implants include a titanium post that’s carefully placed into the jawbone, serving as a sturdy, artificial tooth root. This post encourages the surrounding bone to grow and integrate around it, a process known as osseointegration. Through this stimulation, dental implants work to maintain bone density and prevent the loss that usually occurs when a tooth is lost.
Without this stimulation, the jawbone can lose up to 25% of its volume in just the first year after a tooth is lost. Dental implants help counteract this by continuously signaling the jawbone to remain dense and strong, thus helping to maintain your natural jawline and overall facial structure.
Benefits of Dental Implants Beyond Bone Preservation
Dental implants offer more than just jawbone support. They also provide a stable and permanent solution for tooth replacement, which can improve both the appearance and functionality of your teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, which might need adjustments or replacements over time, dental implants are built to last for many years with the right care.
This permanence also means that dental implants are more comfortable and reliable. Since they are securely anchored in the jaw, they won’t shift or slip while you’re eating or speaking, as some dentures might. This stability enhances comfort and boosts confidence, allowing you to smile, laugh, and speak without worrying about your teeth.
Additionally, dental implants help maintain overall oral health by keeping neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap left by a missing tooth. This shifting can lead to misalignment and other dental issues, which can be costly and time-consuming to correct.
Protect Your Jawline with Dental Implants in Austin, TX
If you’re considering dental implants to prevent bone loss and preserve your jawline, The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin are here to help. Our team focuses on restoring smiles with top-quality dental implants that look, feel, and work just like natural teeth. Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile, and contact us at 512-333-7777 to schedule a consultation today.