Tooth loss is a common dental health problem, but modern dental science has a few ways of addressing it. Dental implants are considered the pinnacle of tooth replacement because they imitate the way real teeth look and work from root to crown. While this can certainly restore a patient’s self-image and confidence, it may also help them live longer by addressing the problems missing teeth cause for their overall health. Here are a few ways dental implants may be able to help you increase your life expectancy.
Dental Implants Prevent Further Tooth Loss
Once a tooth is lost, the part of the jawbone that supported it begins to atrophy and recede due to a lack of exercise. The receding bone mass can pull the neighboring teeth out of alignment as well, potentially making them harder to clean, easier to injure, and more vulnerable to tooth decay. This can lead to a vicious cycle of further tooth loss, and traditional restorations like dentures and bridges do not restore much of the exercise the jawbone needs to be healthy.
Luckily, dental implants are placed directly in the jawbone, allowing them to stimulate the bone structure just like natural teeth. This can prevent or even reverse the process of bone loss, helping to protect the patient’s natural teeth while keeping their jaw strong and healthy. Preventing tooth decay can also prevent dangerous secondary infections like sepsis and pneumonia.
Dental Implants Can Improve a Patient’s Diet
Tooth loss makes it more difficult to eat. If eating crunchy, chewy, or fibrous foods like apples, steak, and raw vegetables becomes too difficult, many patients will give up on eating them entirely. This can make it much harder for them to get all the nutrition their bodies need to be healthy and strong. Traditional restorations like dentures and bridges can restore much of a patient’s chewing ability, but they can still have much difficulty with delicious and nutritious foods like steak.
Fortunately, dental implants can restore up to 80% of a patient’s original biting force, allowing them to bite, tear, and grind all sorts of foods just like they could with natural teeth. This helps many patients to get the nutrients they need as well as enjoy the pleasure of eating more.
Dental implants carry many benefits for your self-image and your physical health. Consulting with your dentist can determine if they are a suitable treatment for you.
About the Practice
Premier Dental delivers the best dental health services available to the community of Vero Beach, FL. Led by Drs. Adam Jones and Giuliana Diaz Jones, the staff ensures each patient receives effective care in a warm and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. For more information on what dental implants can do for you, contact the office online or dial (772) 234-5353.