If you are in a situation where you want to replace missing teeth, you have a few options that your dentist can present to you. While bridges and dentures are frequently used for some people, dental implants are the optimal solution. Other solutions may give you the appearance of having nice-looking teeth, but dental implants actually help preserve the structure of your jawbone for the rest of your life. Here is what you need to know about the benefits of dental implants.

Tooth Loss Can Lead To Jawbone Deterioration

If you were to lose a tooth, your jawbone will start a process called bone reabsorption, which is when the density of your jawbone will decrease over time. Since there is no longer a natural root to stimulate the jawbone, it will shrink and lose its strength as time goes on. 

This can cause older people without teeth to have the appearance as if their face is sunken inward if they wear dentures. They no longer have natural teeth, and their jawbone becomes weak over time. The dentures are simply not enough to keep the bone strong. 

Dental Implants Simulate A Natural Tooth Root

While a dental implant is not a real tooth, it does simulate a real tooth quite well. A dentist will surgically insert a titanium post into the jaw bone into the jawbone so that the artificial tooth has a stable foundation. That post then fuses with the natural bone through the osseointegration process. The two essentially become one, and using your teeth provides the jawbone with strength through much-needed stimulation.

Dental Implants Preserve Bite Alignment 

An unintended consequence of dentures and bridges is that they are not going to preserve your bite alignment. As your jawbone changes shape the artificial teeth are going to lay differently against your gums. You may find that you have difficulty chewing as time goes on, even if you have a full set of artificial teeth.

Dental implants help preserve your bite by keeping the teeth in their natural position. This makes it easier to chew food as time goes on because the chewing surfaces come in contact the proper way.

Dental Implants Work Best Soon After Teeth Loss

It's important to understand that dental implants should be installed soon after the natural teeth come out. Don't delay the process of getting dental implants, because your jawbone's health is not going to get any better over time. It will only get worse as the jawbone lacks the stimulation it needs.