Dental implants are considered the golden standard in tooth replacement. Since they look and work like real teeth, they can fill in the empty spaces in a smile, providing the patient with a more youthful appearance and restored chewing ability. While these benefits are significant, dental implants also help preserve your overall health. Here are some advantages dental implants bring to your general health.
Dental Implants Can Prevent Further Tooth Loss
Shortly after the loss of a tooth, the jawbone that once supported it begins to atrophy and recede. This is because the teeth provide the jawbone with the exercise it needs to stay healthy and strong. As the jawbone continues to recede, it can pull the adjacent teeth out of alignment, exposing them to injury or making them harder to clean. This can eventually lead to the loss of these teeth and the cycle starting over again. Placing a dental implant in the empty space restores this exercise to the jawbone, preventing it from receding further and leading to further tooth loss.
Dental Implants Can Make Oral Hygiene Easier
While dentures and bridges can be great ways to replace missing teeth, they can also complicate the oral hygiene process. Plaque, food debris, and bacteria can become trapped underneath these restorations, leading to gum disease that can increase your risk of stroke, diabetes, and cardiovascular illness. The risk of developing gum disease becomes particularly severe if the patient neglects to remove their dentures for a minimum of eight hours every day.
Dental implants, on the other hand, require no more oral hygiene than natural teeth. Since they are fused to the jawbone, they do not provide bacteria with the same shelter as dentures and bridges. All dental implants need is a daily regimen of brushing, flossing, and antibacterial mouthwash, and they’ll be ready to serve you effectively and hygienically.
Dental Implants Can Help You Eat a Healthier Diet
Dentures and dental bridges come with a list of foods that are off limits such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, raw vegetables, steak, and some fruits like pears, apples, and raspberries. Unfortunately, these foods contain a wealth of nutrients, and a patient with one of these restorations may have difficulty getting all the nutrition they need. Dental implants, on the other hand, carry none of these dietary restrictions, allowing patients to indulge in a delicious steak dinner with crisp raw vegetables before enjoying a little peanut brittle for dessert.
Dental implants are considered the best in tooth replacement because they deliver the best results for your appearance and your overall health. Consulting with your dentist can determine if dental implants are right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Tamir Anver has earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery as well as his medical degree in oral surgery and completed his residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His clinical interests include office-based and hospital-based procedures like tooth extractions, IV anesthesia, dental implants, and wisdom tooth removal. For more information on the health benefits of dental implants, contact his office in Dallas, TX online or dial (972) 960-1111.