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Tooth Replacement, Dental Implants, and Why Osseointegration Is So Important
When you lose a tooth or have lost multiple teeth, replacing these missing teeth should be taken very seriously. You likely already are if the lost teeth are in your visible smile. However, when the missing tooth is in the back of the mouth, some patients near the Santa Teresa area of San Jose, California, may put off replacing the tooth because they think they can get by without it, and nobody will notice. Dr. Natalie Provenzano and her associates would like to share some information about why it is so important to replace missing teeth, how dental implants can help, and why a process called osseointegration is so important.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
When you are missing teeth, several oral health issues could arise if they are not replaced. Most people will want to replace missing front teeth visible in their smile. But what about teeth that aren’t so visible? Teeth you think you can do without. Let’s look at what can happen.
- Teeth can begin to shift into the newly created gap, resulting in bite and alignment issues.
- Any shifting of teeth that have angled inward can now be more susceptible to plaque, tartar, and decay.
- Because your jaw loses stimulation created by your missing teeth, it can begin to degrade and be reabsorbed into your body.
- If jawbone loss occurs, your face can take on an aging, sunken look.
How Can A Dental Implant Help?
When you have missing teeth, several options will likely be available. These options typically include dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. All offer benefits and can help, but only a dental implant replaces the tooth above and below the gum line. A dental implant is surgically implanted into the jawbone, effectively replacing the missing tooth’s root. This is important for an incredibly durable restoration that lasts a lifetime and preserves the jawbone’s health.
Osseointegration
When you choose a dental implant, and it is implanted into the jawbone, there will be time required to heal from the procedure. During this time, a process called osseointegration will occur when the jaw and the implant fuse and integrate. This is what creates the stability and durability of a dental implant. It also allows the dental implant to stimulate the jawbone which is necessary to remain healthy.
To schedule an appointment with Natalie K. Provenzano DDS, Inc, please call (408) 226-2542.
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Dr. Or Simel
Dr. Natalie Provenzano has been practicing dentistry since 2002 when she graduated from the University of Southern California Dental School in the class’ top 10. She served on the school’s ethics committee and was a member of the Oral Sedation Team and the National Dental Honor Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon. She also received the American Association of Women Dentists’ Female Dentist of the Year Award.
Also an alumnus of Loyola Marymount University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Biology, Dr. Provenzano was an active member of Ignatians Service Organization and Delta Gamma Fraternity and was chosen for the Order of Omega and Delta Sigma Nu Honor Societies.
Oral surgeon Dr. Or Simel has been practicing dentistry since 2009. He is a graduate of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry (DDS), UCSF School of Medicine (MD), Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, (BS/Biology), and UCSF School of Dentistry (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery). He graduated Summa Cum Laude and was on the Dean’s List, and National Dental Honor Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon.
He is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Dental Association, and California Dental Association.
Together, they provide exceptional general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry to patients of all ages in the area.