The Benefits of Dental Implants on Your Overall Health
Explore the Benefits of Dental Implants for Your Overall Health and Wellness
Did you know that at least 450,000 dental implant placements occur every year? Or that these dental implants can last for 20 years or longer?
This unparalleled longevity is only one of the many benefits of dental implants, though. They also preserve the rest of your teeth, keep your jawbone healthy, and help restore gum health. They can even help keep your tummy (and entire body) in tip-top condition!
Ready to learn more about dental implants and how they can deliver all these benefits? Then let’s get right into it!
Dental implants not only look like natural teeth…
…They also function much like your natural pearly whites. That’s because implants aren’t superficial; they also act as a replacement tooth root. Replacing the lost tooth root means that they integrate (osseointegrate) with the jawbone and the gums.
As a result, implants are much more stable and secure, which is also why they last so long. In addition, their osseointegration provides the jawbone its needed stimulation. This, in turn, helps keep the bone from “melting” back into the body.
Saved teeth save teeth.
Dental implants help preserve not only the jaw but also your remaining natural teeth. This is especially true for teeth that are adjacent to the implanted tooth, which can shift into the extra space.
Dental implants don’t require modifications to existing healthy, adjacent teeth. The dentist will make the tooth implant in a way that fits the gap perfectly so the surrounding teeth don’t need size adjustments.
Since the implant is an exact fit, it gets rid of gaps that can harbor decay-causing bacteria that could affect surrounding teeth. This means you’ll have fewer tooth cavity concerns to worry about!
Minimizes tooth movement.
Tooth loss can give rise to an oral health problem called occlusal disease. You may have heard of this referred to as malocclusion. It occurs when the teeth or the upper and lower jaw become misaligned.
Losing teeth can cause such maladies because of the gaps they leave behind. With more free space to move around, the remaining teeth will shift over time. This will then make them move out of their proper places, and in some cases, even become twisted.
The jawbone can also develop problems because part of it is reabsorbed due to tooth loss. In the first year alone, the jawbone can lose as much as 25% of its structure! Within the next couple of years, the bone width can decrease by up to 40%.
Preserving the jawbone involves applying pressure and stimulation through chewing. This is something that only natural teeth and dental implants can provide. As such, replacing lost teeth with implants can help you keep your jawbone healthy and strong.
Helps stop and reverse periodontitis.
Periodontitis, or periodontal (gum) disease, is the main culprit behind tooth loss. The bacteria that cause tooth decay can also spread to and destroy the gum tissues. Plaque, which is full of bacteria, is the primary cause of both these oral health problems.
The thing is, leaving the gums toothless makes them more prone to developing diseases. For starters, toothlessness exposes a more significant portion of the sensitive gum tissues. This, in turn, gives the bacteria in the mouth more places to hide and launch their attack.
In addition, exposed gums are more prone to injury, say from hard foods that you bite and chew. When injured, the bacteria can then invade the open areas of the tissue. From there, they can begin to destroy more of the gingival tissues.
Dental implants can help prevent gum disease since they get rid of these exposed spaces. Also, the implant process itself requires the gums to be healthy so your dentist will first treat any existing gum disease. So, not only do dental implants give you back your chewing power, they also help you put a stop to existing periodontitis.
Reduces risks of nutritional deficiencies.
Many studies have found evidence that tooth loss impacts dietary intake. In one study, the findings revealed that people with missing teeth had lower vitamin C levels. They also had a reduced intake of meat, fruits, and vegetables, which then led to reduced energy levels.
Moreover, these patients showed an increased risk of choking and gastrointestinal issues.
A lack of vitamin C is a big concern, as it’s one of the most potent immunity boosters out there. This is even more important for the health of older adults, as aging can affect immune functions.
Implants, seeing as they help recover the bite’s power, can help keep these dietary issues at bay. You’ll be able to eat crunchy and healthy food options such as fresh vegetables and whole fruits. You’ll also regain your chomping ability to eat protein-filled meats, seeds, and grains.
Improved oral hygiene.
Dental implants are just like natural teeth, so they have similar maintenance requirements. You’d brush and floss them the same way that you do with your pearly whites.
Also, high-quality implants, like those created with E4D technology, are very durable. They won’t stain or get damaged by the active ingredients in some mouthwashes.
All in all, dental implants don’t require specialized cleaning solutions. Since taking care of them is the same as looking after your natural teeth, they make it easier to achieve better oral health.
Enjoy the benefits of dental implants for a healthier, happier life.
As you can see, there are a lot of benefits of dental implants, which explains their popularity. Their longevity will let you enjoy their great looks and uses for a much longer time. Plus, they’re easier to take care of, as they only need at-home care and regular dental cleanings.
Since implants also benefit the rest of your body by preserving your oral health, they can help you live a healthier, more satisfying life.
If you’d like to know more about dental implants in Philadelphia, please feel free to get in touch with us. Our team will be more than happy to answer all your tooth implant questions.