Dental implants are one of the most popular procedures for replacing missing teeth, and they can be a life-changing choice for many patients. Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, which is why they are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement options. Many people have found implants to be an easier option than traditional tooth replacement methods such as bridges or dentures which require regular home maintenance and replacement. In this blog post, we will discuss a few ways that dental implants can benefit your oral health.
Removes Problematic Teeth
Problematic teeth can be severely damaged or decayed to the point that they threaten the health of the surrounding teeth. While there are restorative treatments that can be used for problematic teeth, there are still cases where the best option is extraction. When extraction is recommended, the best thing to do is replace these teeth with dental implants. Dental implants are able to provide a secure and comfortable solution for replacing missing teeth, which is why they are often the best option in these cases. In some cases, your dentist may even be able to place dental implants during the same procedure as your extraction.
Prevents Bone Loss
One of the biggest problems that can occur when someone loses a tooth is bone loss. This occurs because there is no tooth root to stimulate the jawbone when chewing, which eventually causes the jawbone to deteriorate. This can lead to a number of oral health problems including loose teeth, shifting teeth, and an altered facial structure. Dental implants help preserve jawbone mass by acting as the tooth root and providing the necessary stimulation to the jawbone to prevent it from shrinking. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that offer a tooth root prosthetic that can preserve the jawbone. While dentures and bridges replace the visible portion of the tooth, neither replace the root.
Prevents Complications From Tooth Loss
When a tooth is lost or extracted, it is important to have the tooth replaced as soon as possible. This is because the spaces left by a missing tooth can lead to a variety of complications. For example when a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth shift to fill in the gap left behind. Unfortunately, this leads to other issues. For example, the entire bite may become misaligned, which can cause certain teeth to wear down faster and/or become damaged. This can also stress the jaw joint and lead to temporomandibular joint disorder. Having dental implants placed fills in the gaps left by missing teeth in order to prevent further complications from tooth loss.
Maintains Proper Nutrition
A large part of eating right involves having functional teeth that can bite and chew a variety of foods. When you are missing teeth, it becomes increasingly difficult to eat a healthy diet. This is because many of the foods that are essential for good health such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains require chewing. When you can’t properly chew these foods, they become harder to digest which can lead to problems like constipation or malnutrition. Dental implants allow you to properly chew and enjoy a healthy diet which is important for both your oral and overall health.
If you’re unsure about whether or not dental implants are the best option for your oral health, Birch Point Dental is here to help. We offer a wide range of services and can answer any questions you may have about our practice and what we do. Whether it’s tooth extraction or replacing missing teeth with an implant, we’ll make sure that everything goes smoothly. If you want more information on how Birch Point Dental could be able to provide solutions for your specific needs, contact us today!
