Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, gaps in your smile can do a lot more than just give you an incomplete smile. Dental implants both fill in your smile and offer an array of oral health benefits. They can even help increase life expectancy by lowering the risk of several conditions that are more common in those with tooth loss. Read on to learn more about how dental implants impact your overall wellbeing for the better.
What Makes Dental Implants So Special?
Unlike traditional restorative treatments, dental implants replace the root of a missing tooth. While this makes them look and feel more natural, implants are also much more stable than other restorations because they fuse with the jawbone through the process of osseointegration. This provides the jawbone with the necessary blood flow and stimulation to keep it from eroding.
Medical Conditions Associated with Missing Teeth
Tooth loss often results in poor oral hygiene and a decline in overall health. In fact, studies by Periodontology 2000 and the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that people who have lost five or more teeth by age 65 are at a higher risk of developing a variety of medical conditions that could lower their life expectancy. Some of these conditions include Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and cancer.
Though the study says these conditions can be linked to other factors, like quality of life and socioeconomic status, these things are still intertwined with oral health. In response to these studies, The Oral Health Foundation released a statement encouraging people to make a point of scheduling checkups and cleanings every six months as well as to be mindful of habits, like tobacco use, that could lead to tooth loss.
Health Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer several health benefits to patients that allow them to lead healthier, longer lives. A few of those benefits include:
- Added gum disease protection – Dental implants protect your smile from gum disease as well as the health risks associated with it by encouraging patients to brush and floss more effectively.
- Improved quality of life – Since dental implants give you a fuller, more stable smile, this can boost your self-confidence and increase your overall quality of life.
- A better diet – Since dental implants won’t slip or shift in your mouth when you eat, this makes it easier for you to chew foods.
If you’re missing teeth and looking to improve your oral and overall health, the best first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist so you can learn more about implants. A more beautiful smile is just a phone call away!
About the Author
With five talented dentists and a staff of highly-skilled oral health professionals under one roof, Cove Choice Dental is the perfect place for you and your family to receive the oral health care you need. They administer comfortable, effective, and state-of-the-art care to the residents of Copperas Cove to help beautify smiles and boost confidence. They offer tooth replacement options like dental implants to complete your smile and protect you from future harm. To schedule an appointment to learn more about the benefits of dental implants, visit Cove Choice Dental’s website or call (254) 987-67