This article from David Rice DDS in Elgin focuses on missing teeth, bone health, and dental implants.
Our teeth have many vital functions. We need them to chew our food, talk, and smile. But have you ever considered their role in holding up your face? When we lose teeth, the bone around the site of the extraction begins to pull back. This, in turn, causes our facial muscles to sink in and collapse.
Bone Metabolism
You may think of bone as a solid mass. In reality, below the seemingly rock-hard surface, bone tissue is full of small holes, kind of like a sponge. Bone is constantly regenerating itself in a process called bone metabolism.
In the jaw bone, the movement of the teeth stimulates this rebuilding process. When the tooth and its root are gone, the bone starts to shrink as blood flow is reduced.
People with missing teeth not only have an unsightly gap in their smile, they begin to look older because of the bone recession and eventual facial sagging. It becomes difficult to chew food, and can even take a toll on mental health.
Dental Implants Can Prevent Bone Recession
Modern dentistry to the rescue! Dental implant technology provides a solution that preserves healthy bone metabolism while providing near-normal tooth function.
One dental implant can support one artificial tooth. Multiple implants can support a set of dentures.
Dental implants from David Rice DDS in Elgin have a success rate greater than ninety percent. We also offer general and family dentistry, and a full range of other services. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Contact David A. Rice, DDS:
847-741-2353
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1972 Larkin Ave Ste 1
Elgin, Illinois
60123