Protecting Your Jaw Bone Health After a Lost Tooth

Losing a tooth presents more than just a problem with appearance. If you’ve lost a tooth, your ability to speak and chew may also be affected. And it goes even further than that, because something insidious goes on behind the scenes when you lose a tooth; your jaw bone may quickly begin to lose density. You see, the bones in your jaw—as in other parts of your body—need pressure in order to be their healthiest. With tooth loss comes a loss of pressure, which negatively impacts the health of your jawbone.

Bone Disintegration After Tooth Loss

When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone no longer receives stimulation from chewing, causing it to begin disintegrating over time. This process, known as bone resorption, can lead to weakened facial structure, premature aging, and challenges in restoring the missing tooth later.

Bone loss happens progressively, with the most significant deterioration occurring within the first year after losing a tooth. If untreated, it can make surrounding teeth unstable, further compounding oral health problems.

The Importance of Replacing a Missing Tooth

Ignoring a missing tooth doesn’t just lead to bone loss. Adjacent teeth may shift into the gap, causing alignment issues and increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Acting promptly to replace a lost tooth helps maintain the stability of your remaining teeth and supports a healthy jawbone.

Benefits of Dental Implants and Dentures

Dental implants are a leading solution for tooth replacement because they mimic the natural tooth root, stimulating the jawbone and preventing further bone loss. Implants provide a stable, long-term foundation for crowns or dentures, restoring both function and aesthetics.

For anyone who may not be a viable candidate for dental implants in Mundelein, IL, modern dentures offer an effective alternative. While they don’t provide the same level of bone stimulation as implants, they can prevent excessive wear on remaining teeth and improve overall oral function.

The longer a missing tooth is left untreated, the more challenging it becomes to restore the area due to bone deterioration. Certain treatments have to be discounted and the possibilities for treatment become limited the more time goes on. Consulting with a dentist in Mundelein, IL about implants or dentures soon after tooth loss can protect your jawbone health and preserve your smile for years to come.