When we lose our teeth and years elapse between the loss and when we seek tooth replacement, the changes to the jawbone could mean there isn’t enough structure to support traditional dental implants. But our team has an option that doesn’t require as much structure. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist talks about our mini implants and how they can offer new teeth, or a whole new smile!
Tooth Loss and Weakened Jaw Structure
When teeth are lost, the body will take note. In response, the flow of calcium and phosphorus will be suspended, and the areas around the missing root will be nutrient-deprived and break down. The resulting loss of mass and density means additional tooth loss, weakening jawbone structure, and even an aged appearance. This can complicate tooth replacement!
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a unique and durable option for addressing tooth loss. Made from biocompatible titanium, these implant posts are screw-like in appearance and inserted into the jawbone directly, where they act as new roots. This means they stimulate the growth of jawbone structure to keep the new teeth in place and protect the rest of your smile, as well as your facial structure. Our team can use one to address an individual missing tooth, or place several per arch to support a set of fixed dentures, which look and function like natural teeth. But what if the loss of mass and density has left your jawbone too weak to support multiple dental implants?
The Mini Option
While the jaw could be strengthened with ridge augmentation, we also have an option that requires less structure to stay in place! Mini dental implants are smaller than traditional options, and require less structure to stay in place. We can guide these into your jaw, where they prevent further breakdown in mass and density. We then connect a denture to the posts, so you can obtain a full smile again. Our team can use them to address more minor cases of tooth loss, or very advanced ones, so you can smile with confidence and maintain your youthful facial features too.
If you have any questions about how we replace missing teeth with our lifelike and durable dental implants, then contact our team today to learn more. You deserve a full smile, even if time has elapsed since you slot your teeth, and we have options that can help you!
Learn More About Tooth Replacement With Dr. James Stewart, D.D.S., P.C.!
Our team wants to offer an option that replaces teeth even if patients have a weakened jawbone structure. To find out more about how we secure lifelike and durable tooth replacement with our mini dental implants, then call our office in Livonia, MI, at 734-425-4400.