If you are missing teeth and looking for replacement options, dental implants are a great choice. While you are likely aware that implants are a permanent solution for the appearance of missing teeth, you may not know that they provide other long-term benefits for your oral health. Here are two ways dental implants give you a healthier mouth for a lifetime.
Easier Speaking and Chewing
Lost teeth are more than a cosmetic issue: many people overlook the loss of function that missing teeth bring as well. One of the biggest complaints that dental patients have about missing teeth is that it makes it difficult to eat some of their favorite foods. Dental implants are even stronger than your natural teeth at withstanding the shearing forces of chewing, so they can restore your ability to eat whatever you like!
Many of the sounds we make when we speak are dependent on our teeth. Missing teeth in certain parts of the mouth can make speech more difficult and hinder your confidence during a conversation. Implants restore this functionality so you can speak clearly again, and unlike other temporary tooth replacement options, there is no risk of losing an implant while you are speaking or eating.
Gum and Jawbone Support
When you lose one or more teeth, the gum tissue and jawbone beneath the empty dental socket(s) will gradually degrade over time. This is because the cells in our gums and jawbones rely on stimulation from the tooth roots to continuously heal themselves. When teeth are missing, the gum and jawbone can recede enough to create a risk of losing adjacent teeth as well.
Dental implants are unique among tooth replacement options because they stimulate the gum and jawbone just like natural teeth. Titanium implant posts are installed in the jawbone and fuse with it through a process known as osseointegration.
Getting dental implants now greatly reduces your chances of losing additional teeth in the future. Implants also prevent changes in the shape of the face that are commonly caused by resorption of the jawbone.
Dental implants are the most advanced solution available for restoring missing teeth. Not only will implants restore the appearance and function of your smile, but they will also help to stave off further oral health issues. Keep these long-term advantages of dental implants in mind, and talk to your dentist to determine if implants are the right solution for you.
To learn more about dental implants, contact a local dentist near you.
Every time you take a bite of food, you should be grateful for your healthy teeth! A tooth can lose its health and structure quickly once decay sets in. Luckily, if you visit your dentist for regular appointments, the decay should not get too serious before your dentist notices it and can do something about it. That "something" is applying a filling. On the other hand, if the decay progresses too long before it is caught, you may need a crown or even an extraction.
We want to keep our teeth, and we know you want to keep yours. That's why we created this website to teach you more about dentists and dental care. Enjoy!