Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry on Jaw Bone Deterioration
To remain dense, your jaw bone requires the continual stimulation and pressure of chewing, biting and talking. Each of your teeth has a root structure attached to the surrounding bone material. As each tooth absorbs the forces of everyday mouth function, it stimulates the bone to which the root is attached.
When a tooth is extracted, the jaw bone that previously surrounded the root structure begins to recede. Though tooth extraction is often the only possible treatment for our patients with tooth damage beyond repair, every effort should be made to preserve the root structure.
Fortunately, tooth implants provide a new root which keeps the surrounding bone healthy and strong. A dental implant consists of a titanium post which is placed in the jaw bone. It replaces the original root and eventually integrates into the surrounding bone. After the implant has been placed and the surrounding bone has healed and meshed with the implant, a post is inserted into the implant. The new artificial tooth, or crown, is then attached to the post. Implant restoration is a safe and effective treatment for tooth loss.
To learn more about dental implants, call Dr. Gordon West at 303-665-5335. The friendly professionals at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Boulder provide world-class dental treatment.
Center for Advanced Dental Care