Dr. Mark Hodge runs Berkshire Dental Group in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Here, he explains the benefits of dental implants.
The dental implants used by most dentists are root-form implants, which basically means that they are replacement tooth roots, used to replace natural tooth roots in areas of the mouth where teeth are missing. Since they replace the tooth roots, they create the stability needed to have much stronger teeth that stay in place and don’t move around. Here are 10 major benefits of dental implants:
1. You will look 10 years younger. Dental implants assist you in looking and feeling younger because they prevent bone loss. By preventing bone loss that would normally occur with the loss of teeth, your facial structure remains normal and intact. The chances of wrinkling and the look of old age before your time is less likely. In other words, every day that you continue to wear dentures, or have missing teeth, you are experiencing bone loss, which makes you look much older than needed. By using dental implants, your facial structure and jaw remain strong, healthy, and intact. This is especially important when all the teeth are missing because the lower one-third begins to collapse if implants are not placed in to preserve the bone.
2. Your overall quality of life is enhanced with replacement teeth that look, feel, and function more like natural teeth. You will look younger and more attractive, which allows you to be even more confident and enjoy smiling, laughing, and talking with others.
3. You can now live longer because you’ll get to eat better. Fresh vegetables, corn, and fruit are back on the menu. You can now eat the foods you like. Also, since your chewing is improved, your digestion will be even better as well.
4. You’ll have more confidence in social situations. Most of our patients love their new implants because of their improved appearance, function, comfort, and health. The improved appearance of your new smile will have people giving you compliments galore.
5. Implants allow you to relax and not have to worry about your dentures moving around, popping out, or gagging you. You’ll never worry about your dentures flying out when you laugh, sneeze, cough, or eat. Implants are so securely attached that the fear of them falling out will be eliminated. Like I said before, these will feel like they are your natural teeth.
6. Your mouth will be restored as closely as possible to its natural state. By replacing the entire tooth, as well as the tooth root, it is possible to replicate the function of natural teeth with a strong, stable foundation that allows comfortable biting and chewing. Also, nothing in the mouth will look or feel false or artificial.
7. Implants increase the enjoyment you get out of eating. You will be able to taste foods more fully. Wearing an upper denture can prevent someone from really tasting food, as the roof of the mouth is covered. With implant-supported replacement teeth, it’s unnecessary to cover the roof of the mouth, so you can truly enjoy the taste of foods.
8. Implants improve overall oral health and decrease the risk of oral cancer and heart disease. It is much easier to care for implants of any kind as opposed to dentures. Your chances of bacteria buildup and gum disease decrease when you have implants.
9. Eliminate denture adhesives forever! Since implant-supported teeth are securely attached to the implants, there is no need for messy denture adhesives.
10. Your existing teeth will not be impacted by your missing teeth. Since replacing missing teeth with implant-supported crowns and bridges does not involve the adjacent natural teeth, they are not compromised or damaged. But, when you wear a partial denture, you have clamps that hook onto adjacent teeth, putting pressure on them that can cause them to loosen and come out. Bridges, on the other hand, require grinding the adjacent teeth so that the bridge can be cemented onto them. This compromises the long-term health of your teeth.
The benefits of dental implants far outweigh the benefits of wearing dentures, or living with missing teeth. At Berkshire Dental Group, we have found that most people who do not choose implants were never given that option, or have never had all their questions answered.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
