Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your dental health. For instance, if you lose a tooth, then you may instinctively know that replacing it is important, but knowing the full effects of tooth loss can help you understand the benefits and shortcomings of your tooth-replacement options. As a dedicated dentist in Astoria, Dr. Leibowitz often recommends securing replacement teeth to one or more dental implants, which are the only option that can help preserve the longevity of your jawbone following tooth loss.
Tooth Loss—More than Meets the Eye
How much do you know about tooth loss? The gaps left in your smile aren’t the only influence that missing teeth have on your oral health. While most modern dental prosthetics like dental bridges and dentures focus on replacing the visible parts of your teeth, the lost roots that should extend below your gum line are typically ignored. Without this fundamental support, manmade dental prosthetics often rely on hidden clasps and special adhesive to remain in place. Your jawbone, however, relies on healthy tooth roots to maintain an adequate nutrient supply. Ignoring tooth loss can allow your jawbone to deteriorate from nutrient deficiency, leading to further tooth loss and facial collapse.
The Beauty of Dental Implants
With the knowledge of your jawbone’s reliance on tooth roots, dental implants have become an essential component of successful modern tooth replacement. Made from biocompatible titanium, dental implants are surgically inserted into your jawbone, which fuses to the implant to create a lifelike prosthetic tooth root. By eliminating the need for clasps and adhesive, fabricated tooth roots offer your new teeth the stability of healthy, natural teeth for optimal comfort and function; by replacing the roots that your jawbone has lost, implants can also help preserve the nutrient supply that your jawbone relies on.
Learn More About Dental Implants at Your Astoria Dentist’s Office
To learn more about innovative dental implants and why they’re often the best choice for replacing lost teeth, schedule a consultation with your Astoria dentist by calling our office today at (718) 728-8320. Located in the 11106 area, we proudly serve patients from Astoria, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the surrounding communities.
