How Dental Implants Improve Oral Health Beyond Just Replacing Teeth

Dental implants work by placing a small titanium screw in the jaw bone. This is used to support a dental crown and functions in the same way as a natural tooth root. The implant and abutment are designed to last a lifetime, while the crown might need to be replaced or repaired after 10-12 years. This is an excellent choice for those looking for a permanent restoration.

Alongside the aesthetic benefits of closing the gap in your smile with a natural-looking restoration, you’ll also enjoy functional benefits. You’ll enjoy the complete restoration of the function of your bite, without having to worry about damaging the surrounding teeth if you bite down on something crunchy or hard. This is because the force of your bite is absorbed by your jaw bone rather than the surrounding teeth.

Closing gaps in your smile with dental implants will also offer widespread health benefits. Let’s explore those in more detail below.

Maintain jaw bone structure

When you lose a tooth, the jaw bone that would have once supported this tooth root will begin to shrink and recede. Over time, this can change your facial structure and the symmetry of your face. By choosing to replace missing teeth with dental implants, you can maintain the jaw bone density and avoid bone loss in this area.

Enjoy a varied diet

One of the most important aspects to consider when thinking about dental implants over other restorations such as a bridge or denture is the long-term benefits. With a dental implant, you’ll be able to enjoy any food without limitations. This can help you to eat a varied and balanced diet, without having to restrict any foods. This can have widespread implications for your health, not just your oral health.

Improve oral hygiene

Another benefit of dental implants is that this treatment will often encourage individuals to take better care of their teeth. Skipping brushing or flossing isn’t advised with dental implants as this could increase your risk of implant rejection. For this reason, patients often find that they take much better care of their teeth after treatment.

Protect surrounding teeth

If you are missing a tooth, the surrounding teeth can also be impacted. First, the teeth on either side and opposite the gap can shift out of alignment as they will no longer be supported by the tooth.

This can lead to crooked and misaligned teeth. Another common issue occurs when the gums around the gap start to recede. This can leave the roots of the surrounding teeth exposed, and this could lead to issues including further tooth loss.

By closing the gap with a permanent restoration, you can avoid further tooth loss and issues related to receding gums. This can help you to avoid potentially painful and uncomfortable conditions further down the line.

Improve chewing

If you’ve been missing a tooth for some time, you might find that the way you chew has been affected. You might favour chewing on one side over another, and this can lead to imbalances in your facial structure.

You might also avoid certain foods entirely. Or you might be swallowing your food before you have fully chewed it. This could lead to painful secondary conditions like indigestion and heartburn.

With a dental implant replacing your missing tooth, you’ll be able to chew properly on both sides of your mouth again. No foods will be off limits and you’ll also avoid conditions associated with now chewing your food fully.

Investing in your smile

Another secondary benefit for your oral health comes from the added investment in your smile. When you pay for a procedure like dental implants, you’re far more likely to take your oral health seriously. Patients who have undergone dental implant procedures are more likely to take their oral health seriously. This could mean that they take better care of their teeth at home and also avoid skipping essential checkups.

Better lifestyle habits

One final benefit of dental implants for your oral health is in the improved lifestyle habits that often go hand in hand with implant treatment. Patients have to quit smoking before treatment can begin and they need to make sure this positive lifestyle change continues to safeguard the health of their dental implants.

Smoking is linked to increased risk of implant rejection and failure, so it’s essential for patients to quit and make this stick. This will have widespread benefits for your oral health and your wider health.

Ready to get started with your dental implant treatment? Get in touch with our team to book your initial consultation and get the ball rolling.