As we age, everyone begins to notice subtle changes in their appearance.
“Lately, my smile lines have deepened.”
“My mouth seems to have drooped.”
Did you know that one underlying cause of these changes can be tooth loss and the resulting resorption of the jawbone (alveolar bone)?

■ What is “bone resorption” that occurs when a missing tooth is left untreated?
Our teeth are firmly supported by the jawbone through their roots.
However, if a tooth is lost and left untreated, the bone in that area stops receiving the stimulation that comes from chewing.
As a result, the amount of bone gradually decreases — a process known as “bone resorption.”
Bone resorption is not just an oral health issue.
As the bone shrinks, the shape of the gums changes, the mouth area appears to sag, and the lips lose their fullness — accelerating the visible signs of aging.
If it progresses further, smile lines become more pronounced and the cheeks may appear sunken.

■ Why dentures or bridges cannot prevent bone resorption
Dentures and bridges are common options for replacing missing teeth.
However, dentures simply rest artificial teeth on top of the gums, and bridges require filing down neighboring teeth to support the replacement.
Neither method transmits chewing force directly to the jawbone, meaning the bone still lacks proper stimulation.
Over time, bone resorption continues, and it becomes difficult to fully prevent changes in appearance or bite alignment.

■ Why implants prevent bone resorption
In implant treatment, a titanium artificial tooth root is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth.
This artificial root integrates firmly with the bone (osseointegration) and transmits chewing forces to it in the same way as a natural tooth root.
As a result, the bone continues to receive proper stimulation, slowing down bone resorption.
Thanks to this mechanism, implants can help preserve facial structure and maintain a youthful appearance for many years.
Moreover, chewing function is restored to a level close to natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy harder or more fibrous foods without worry.
This not only improves meal satisfaction but also maintains the brain stimulation that comes from chewing, which may positively affect overall health.

■ The aesthetic advantages of implants
Implants also excel in aesthetics.
They can be designed to look as if they are naturally emerging from the gums, with the color and shape matched to surrounding teeth so there’s no visible difference when you smile.
Additionally, because healthy neighboring teeth do not need to be filed down, implants can help extend the lifespan of those teeth.

■ The features of implant treatment at Ginza ONE Dental & Orthodontics
Precise diagnosis with CT imaging
We assess bone thickness, shape, and the position of nerves and blood vessels in detail to create a safe treatment plan.
Customized plans for each patient
We take into account age, lifestyle, dietary preferences, and desired aesthetics to propose the optimal treatment method.
Minimally invasive, pain-conscious surgery
Surgery is performed with the smallest necessary incisions to reduce swelling and discomfort after the procedure.
Commitment to aesthetics
The upper structure (artificial tooth) is carefully crafted to match the color and shape of adjacent teeth for a natural appearance.

■ Achieving both function and beauty with implants
Implants are more than just replacements for missing teeth — they are a treatment that preserves chewing function, aesthetics, and bone health as a whole.
They offer both the joy of chewing and the youthful appearance of the mouth, making them an investment in your future health.
📍 Ginza ONE Dental & Orthodontics
Ginza 2112 Building, 11F, 2-11-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
A healthy, beautiful smile is possible at any age.
With implant treatment, you can protect both your chewing ability and your confidence in your smile.