How Dental Implants Improve Oral Health
Many patients that are considering dental implants can feel embarrassed, upset, or even depressed. Their oral health may be suffering, and that can affect your mood and confidence in everyday situations. When patients leave the office with their new dental implants, they are surprised to find that dental implants affect more than their appearance. Here are some important ways that dental implants can help improve your overall oral health.
Protect and Restore Bone Density
Many patients that need dental implants have experienced some level of bone loss in the jaw. This process is also called absorption. When we lose our teeth, the body no longer has a need to maintain the bone that was once surrounding the tooth. Instead, the body begins to recycle that material back into the body. Over time, the bone will deteriorate and diminish. When enough bone has been absorbed, facial features can droop or sag. The jaw becomes more prone to breaking from traumatic injury.
Implants are surgically implanted directly into the bone. These implants are specifically made to integrate with the bone. The implant adds some immediate structure to the jawbone, but this is strengthened over time as your body builds additional new bone around the implant. The renewed bone growth in your jaw can help to strengthen the bone to absorb impacts without breaking. The new bone can also restore your facial appearance. Patients find that these factors help them gain confidence in social and private settings.
Improves Your Gum Health
Many patients have lost teeth due to periodontal disease. Additionally, the void left by missing teeth can harbor more bacteria creating an even more serious problem. When a dental implant is placed, it fills the gap left by the missing tooth and allows our dentist to make sure that your mouth is healthy throughout the implant process.
Once your periodontal health is under control, it’s easier for patients to maintain with a full set of teeth.
Reduces the Risk of Cavities
The space that is left by a missing tooth is often very difficult to keep clean and bacteria free. This hole can attract bacteria and offers a warm moist environment that is ideal for bacteria breeding. Implants fill this gap, and the relative ease that is required to maintain implants can help keep your cavity free into the future.
Avoid Denture Problems
Dentures have been problematic for many patients and can cause other serious health issues. The bone in your jaw under dentures will continue to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This further weakens your jawline and can continue to alter your facial appearance. Cleaning requirements for dentures can be very difficult for patients to follow. When dentures aren’t properly cleaned, they can harbor additional bacteria that is then placed into your body every day.
These bacteria can impact your oral health and your health in general. Patients with dirty dentures are more likely to get sick.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Many patients that have tooth loss or even those that have dentures complain that they can’t enjoy the foods that they used to eat. Apples can be very difficult to eat without a sturdy set of teeth. The overall reduction inability to eat healthy fresh vegetables and fruit can have a detrimental effect on your oral health and your waistline.
Patients who are overweight are more likely to experience a variety of issues, including increased heart disease, which can lead to death.
Overview
Dental implants can do more for your overall health than you may have known. If you are considering dental implants, contact us and schedule an appointment with our dentist today. Our dentist can review your specific case and discuss more of the benefits that dental implants can offer you.
