When people consider dental implants, they often think of them as a cosmetic solution to enhance their smile. However, the benefits of dental implants extend far beyond aesthetics.
In fact, when creating a treatment plan, our Austell implant dentists consider how your implants and final restorations will positively affect everything from your gums to the way your bite functions.
If you’ve been weighing your teeth replacement options, here are 7 health benefits of dental implants to keep in mind:
1. Preserving Jawbone Health
When you lose a tooth, the underlying jawbone begins to deteriorate. Dental implants act as a tooth root substitute, providing necessary stimulation to your jawbone to maintain its density and strength.
Unlike traditional dentures, which can accelerate bone loss, and dental bridges, which also lead to bone loss, implants at Austell Dental Excellence help preserve your jawbone structure, ensuring long-term oral health.
2. Improving Chewing and Digestion
Another way dental implants can affect your health is by restoring your ability to chew effectively. Fully and efficiently chewing your food is crucial for proper digestion.
A 2001 study determined impaired chewing increased the risk for gastrointestinal issues. A 1992 study also found a link between chewing difficulties and digestive problems, including constipation or diarrhea and bloating.
3. Maintaining Natural Teeth Alignment
When a missing tooth isn’t replaced, the teeth on either side of the gap have a tendency to drift into the empty space. This can lead to misalignment and a change in your bite (the way the upper and lower teeth fit together). Dental implants fill the gaps, supporting the proper alignment of your remaining teeth and helping you avoid additional dental complications.
4. Reducing the Risk of Oral Health Problems
Missing teeth leave gaps that can trap food and become breeding grounds for bacteria. As other teeth shift, keeping them clean becomes more difficult too. All of this increases your risk of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is linked to a number of systemic health conditions, including heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dental and perio health and dental implants go hand in hand. The implants create proper alignment and eliminate places for food to get stuck, making it much easier to maintain good oral health and, in turn, overall health.
5. Supporting the Facial Structure
Tooth loss affects your facial structure. Without enough support and as the jawbone deteriorates, it can create a sunken, aged appearance. Dental implants help to maintain your facial structure by keeping the jawbone intact and supporting your lips and cheeks.
At Austell Dental Excellence, whether you’re getting one dental implant or replacing all of your teeth with All-on-X, we carefully plan your new smile to complement and support your facial features.
6. Creating More Nutritional Options
Missing teeth, as well as traditional dentures, can limit your dietary choices, excluding some of the healthiest options, including raw vegetables and fruit. Dental implants integrate with the jawbone and act just like a tooth’s root. They’re strong and durable enough to withstand chewing forces and will allow you to eat a full range of nutritious foods.
7. Having a Positive Psychological and Emotional Impact
The dental implants benefits aren’t just physical. Our patients report a significant boost in confidence and happiness with their new smiles. This has a positive impact on their mental health that extends to social interactions and overall quality of life.
Interested in dental implants in Austell, GA? Book a consultation today!
If you’re ready to experience the health benefits of dental implants, our Austell implant dentists can help. As the destination for dental implants, our experts handle the entire process in-house, from extraction to implant placement to restoration. Call us at (619) 966-4535 to schedule a consultation.