A Closer Look at How Dental Implants Support Better Jawbone Health

At Cannon Oral Surgery, we believe that the better informed you are, the easier it is to make the best possible treatment decisions. That’s why we take the time to answer any questions you have during your consultation at our Chattanooga, Tennessee, office. 

When it comes to dental implants, the benefits of this permanent tooth replacement treatment make it an easy choice for many. But not everyone understands the connection between jawbone health and dental implants, so we’re here today to delve into this topic. 

Healthy bone tissue is a requirement for dental implants

When you get a dental implant, you’re replacing most of the components of your natural tooth with artificial materials. The crown portion of the implant replaces the visible portion of your natural tooth, while the post portion of the implant replaces your tooth root. 

That metal post is positioned directly within your jawbone. Over the next few months, your natural bone tissue will fuse to the implanted post, creating a strong, durable connection that will hold your dental crown in place. 

If you’ve been living with one or more missing teeth for some time, some of your underlying bone tissue has likely worn away in a process known as resorption. That can leave you without enough bone tissue to anchor the post portion of the implant. 

In these cases, bone grafting offers the opportunity to regenerate bone tissue and make dental implantation possible. Dr. Cannon places a grafting material (which could be bone particles from a human or animal donor) into your existing bone tissue. Over time, your natural tissue fuses with the grafting materials to create a strong foundation for dental implants. 

Implants support bone jawbone health 

Many people envision their bones as the dense, hard tissue that does not change over time. In reality, your bones are living structures that are going through continuous renewal and growth. As bone tissue wears away naturally, it’s replaced by new bone cells. 

This process requires stimulation that happens each time you bite down or chew. Without that stimulation, the bone beneath and near a missing tooth will begin to wear away. This is what causes the “sunken-in” jaw appearance you see among many elderly people who’ve lost most or all of their teeth. 

Once your implant is in place, it acts much like your natural teeth, creating that stimulation your jawbone needs to thrive. This helps the bone in your jaw remain strong as you move through the phases of life. 

Your new implant won’t be subject to decay, but it’s still important to maintain good oral hygiene habits to preserve your dental health. Advanced decay or gum disease in the area of your implant can damage the underlying bone, weakening the connection between your jawbone and implant. 

Routine dental exams are a great way to stay ahead of any developing dental health issues. Coming in every six months gives Dr. Cannon the chance to check your implant, natural teeth, and gum tissue for signs of damage, decay, or disease, and enables early intervention as needed. 

Still wondering if dental implants are right for you?

If you’re still not sure how dental implants fit into your long-term dental health planning, we are happy to meet with you to answer any remaining questions you have and discuss the pros and cons of various tooth replacement options. 

Setting up a time to come in to Cannon Oral Surgery takes just a few moments. You can always connect with our office by phone during normal business hours, and we also offer an easy online booking tool that’s available 24 hours a day.