The Main Health Benefits of Dental Implants
Do you have missing teeth? If so, ask our dentists if you’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure. Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots made of titanium alloy that are placed in the jaw. Later, our dentists add an abutment and crown to give the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
Here are the main health benefits of dental implants.
Prevent Bone Loss
As soon as you lose a tooth, your body will start to absorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere. Over time, the jawbone will continue to deteriorate until your dentures no longer fit properly or comfortably.
Eventually, the jawbone will weaken and collapse in on itself. This condition is called “facial collapse,” which gives the patient’s profile a “sunken” appearance.
The good news is that we can prevent this chain of events from happening in the first place. The solution is dental implants.
Dental implants are placed in the jawbone as a substitute for natural tooth roots. Like natural roots, these implants stimulate the jawbone tissue so your body doesn’t repurpose the minerals. By preventing bone loss, we’re able to ensure that your jawbone remains healthy for many years to come.
Stop Further Tooth Loss
Your teeth are held in place by their roots, the gums, adjacent teeth, and the jawbone. For this reason, patients who have experienced tooth loss have a higher risk of losing more teeth. Dental implants by holding the adjacent teeth in place and stopping the jawbone from deteriorating.
Avoid Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that’s anchored in place by crowns on adjacent teeth or implants. If you only need to replace one tooth, a dental implant is a better alternative than a bridge. That’s because it allows our dentists to leave your adjacent natural teeth intact. Otherwise, to place a bridge on natural teeth, we’d need to shape and file down the enamel. This creates enough space for the bridge to sit on top.
If you have three missing teeth in a row, our dentists may recommend a dental bridge supported by implants. To know what treatment option is best for you, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with one of our Grand Rapids dentists.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to eat your favorite foods due to slipping dentures. If you have difficulty eating the foods you love, ask our dentists if you’re a .
Unlike other restorations, dental implants are firmly rooted in the jawbone. This means that they hold your artificial teeth in place while you eat. When you’re able to chew without pain or slipping dentures, it becomes easier to maintain a balanced diet.
Smile With Confidence
When a patient loses a tooth, it often affects their self-esteem. They may even adopt habits to hide their smile, such as covering their mouth when they laugh. Over time, these behaviors can have a very real effect on a person’s confidence.
Our doctors understand that oral health is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to a patient’s overall health and well-being. Mental health is another piece of the puzzle that unfortunately can be overlooked by other dental professionals.
When we’re able to replace missing teeth, patients are able to smile without feeling self-conscious. Sometimes for the first time in years. This helps to improve their quality of life and overall mental health.
Request an Appointment With Us
Our , would be more than happy to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants. But first, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with our office. To set up a time for your visit, call Advance Dental at (616) 956-9183.
This blog post has been updated.
