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Durham Prosthodontics
Durham Prosthodontics

Durham Prosthodontics
Your Durham, NC Dentist


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How Implants Prevent Bone Loss


Woman with big smile after gum lift surgeryIt is no fun to have missing teeth. Many problems can occur if you fail to replace missing teeth. Your bone and gums may shrink and your face may look sunken-in. The remaining teeth may be susceptible to gum disease and decay because food remnants and bacterial plaque can hide in the area where the missing teeth were before. Moreover, the remaining teeth may move from their correct position to occupy the space where the lost teeth were. As such, you could suffer a bite misalignment.

Luckily, with implant dentistry and other restorations such as dentures and bridges, you can prevent these issues from arising. At [[[CLIENTEXPracticeName]]], we do everything possible to restore your bite function and prevent the side effects such as bone loss, that occur as a result of missing teeth. Our implant team places dental implants in a safe and sound manner.

Implant Dentistry Explained


Implant dentistry is a popular treatment option for individuals with missing teeth. Dental implants are artificial teeth implanted into the jawbone via surgery to support a replacement tooth or bridge. They are made of biocompatible titanium, which fuses with the jawbone over time (referred to as osseointegration), creating a strong foundation for the replacement tooth. Implant dentistry has been used for many years, and the technology has advanced significantly, making the procedure safer and more effective.

Tooth Loss Causes Resorption


With tooth loss, not only can you experience tooth resorption, you can also have resorption issues with your jawbone and gums as well. Over time, your body may choose to remove slivers of your jaw and gum tissue to use somewhere else. Your jaw can become weaker, and your face shape may begin to change. Your face may eventually seem older looking than your age. Jaw and gum resorption is not something you want to have happen, so we need to do everything we can to prevent it.

The time it will take your jawbone to regrow may depend on how much the resorption developed before treatment. If your gums are significantly recessed, a gum graft can help restore its original appearance and leave you once again with a beautiful smile. If you lack jawbone density, we may need to perform a bone graft. Insufficient jawbone density poses challenges for implant integration, leading to potential failure. However, bone grafting offers a minimally invasive solution, fortifying the jaw to support implants effectively.

Understanding Osseointegration in Dental Implants


Several factors can hinder implant integration, including:
•  Age: Implant surgery is deferred for those under 18 due to ongoing jaw growth.
•  Pregnancy: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy may affect bone healing.
•  Smoking: Nicotine impedes blood flow and bone integration, heightening implant failure risk.
•  Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Substance abuse compromises oral health and impedes healing.
•  Medical Conditions: Chronic diseases and immune disorders delay healing and increase complications.
•  Teeth Grinding: Bruxism exerts excessive force on implants, leading to potential failure.


Despite challenges, many individuals are suitable candidates for dental implants, especially with lifestyle adjustments and proper oral care. Our experts, Drs. Cunningham and Gazdeck and , can assess your candidacy and guide you through the process.

Schedule an Appointment


While dental implants, also known as endosseous implants or fixtures, have emerged as a reliable solution for individuals with missing teeth as they mimic the natural tooth roots and provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth, patients often question whether they should replace their missing teeth or just go without. We believe the best way to do this is with dental implants. Contact us today by calling (984) 312-7056 to set up a consultation.








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Dr. Geoffrey Cunningham and Dr. Kyle Gazdeck, 3709 University Dr Suite D, Durham, NC 27707 ^ (984) 312-7056 ^ mydurhamdentist.com ^ 1/15/2025 ^ Related Phrases: dental implants Durham NC ^