Dental implants are the most effective solution for patients with tooth loss. Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat or speak normally, and you might be unsatisfied with the appearance of your smile. Implants can restore oral function and enhance your smile. They can also improve the health of your jawbone. Learn how dental implants regenerate bone in the jaw from Dr. Rawley Fuller, a dentist in Burlington, NC.

What happens to jawbone after tooth loss?

Tooth loss can lead to further deterioration of your oral health. You may have trouble with oral abilities like eating or speaking. You may also lose confidence in the look of your smile if there are visible gaps. Missing teeth can negatively impact the health of your jawbone too. The root of your tooth extends to the jawbone and provides stimulation to the jaw to keep it healthy. When the tooth is missing, the absence of this stimulus causes the jawbone to deteriorate. Bone loss in the jaw can lead to the appearance of facial sagging as it loses structure.

How can dental implants help?

A dental implant features a surgically placed titanium post into the jaw. Once this is healed, your dentist will secure a prosthetic tooth or crown to an abutment on top of this post over the gum line. The post simulates the tooth root and recreates the stimulus that was missing when the tooth was lost. This stops jawbone loss. It can also encourage bone in the jaw to regrow, restoring the structure to your face. The prosthetic enhances the aesthetic of your smile and restores oral function as well.

Am I eligible for dental implants?

Dental implants are an ideal treatment for patients who are missing one or more teeth. Patients can receive a single dental implant to replace one tooth, a bridge implant to replace several teeth in a row, or an all-on-4 which can replace a full arch of teeth. Implants can restore jawbone, but in order to receive an implant, you must have enough bone in the jaw to support the implant. If too much jawbone has been lost, your dentist may suggest a bone graft to strengthen the jawbone or recommend an alternative tooth replacement treatment.

Dental implants available in Burlington, NC

Fuller Dental offers dental implants to qualified patients in Burlington, NC. Dr. Fuller also specializes in cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 336.290.7401.