Dental implants restore smiles by replacing a missing tooth or teeth. While they offer immediate aesthetic benefits, dental implants can also improve and support your oral health.
Dr. Hinna Chaudhry offers several types of dental implants here at Ardsley Dental Spa in Ardsley, New York, and each can improve the form and function of your mouth.
Read on to explore five ways dental implants support your oral health.
1. Dental implants prevent jawbone atrophy
Normally, your tooth roots stimulate your jawbone and keep it growing strong. When your tooth is lost, whether through decay, infection, or trauma, your root is lost too.
Without stimulation from your tooth root, your jawbone begins to atrophy, or decay. Jawbone atrophy can make your face appear sunken.
Dental implants help prevent this because the biocompatible titanium implant post acts as a prosthetic tooth root. The screw-like metal post is surgically implanted into your jaw to form a sturdy base for your new prosthetic tooth.
2. Dental implants restore the stability of your teeth
The sturdiness mentioned above is thanks to a process known as osseointegration. Your implant post fuses with your jawbone, helping to restore the natural stability and function of all your teeth.
With a dental implant, you can eat the foods you love and speak with clarity without the threat of, for example, your dentures slip-sliding out of place.
3. Dental implants help prevent misalignment
A missing tooth leaves a gap, and your remaining teeth can shift to fill that gap. Shifting teeth can affect your bite and contribute to misalignment and jaw discomfort. Dental implants can prevent misalignment by eliminating the gap and preventing your surrounding teeth from drifting.
4. Dental implants help prevent hygiene issues
Dental implants aren’t the only option to replace missing teeth. Alternatives include dentures and bridges. Dental bridges, however, can be hard to clean. Both dental bridges and dentures contain hard-to-reach areas, allowing bacteria to build up.
Dentures may even lead to denture stomatitis 一 a type of oral yeast infection 一 and other sores. Blisters, sores, or oral lesions can increase your risk of oral infections.
Dental implants are easy to clean. Treat them just like your natural teeth, brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing.
5. Dental implants restore full chewing function
Missing teeth can make it hard to eat certain kinds of food, especially raw, crunchy produce like apples, pears, and celery that are good for your teeth. These foods serve as plaque removers.
Dental implants act like natural teeth, so you can confidently chew the food you love — and that’s good for you. Other foods good for your oral health include dairy products, dark, leafy greens, and tree nuts.
Plus, by allowing you to chew your food properly, dental implants support improved digestion.
Explore all the benefits of dental implants
In addition to oral health, replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant can improve your mental health by boosting your self-esteem and confidence.
Ready to smile with confidence? Give us a call at 914-236-1617 to find out if you’re a candidate for a dental implant. You can also request a consultation through our online booking form.