The Benefits of Dental Implants for Your Oral Health

Missing one tooth or multiple teeth can make it harder to perform everyday functions. It can also make you feel self-conscious about smiling. Dental implants not only restore the function and appearance of your smile, but they also help restore your everyday oral health.

A brief summary of dental implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed in a person's jawbone. They are made of titanium and other biocompatible materials, allowing them to fuse with the bone tissue over time. Once the posts heal, a dentist can place an abutment on top of them, which will anchor an artificial tooth, such as a crown, bridge, or fixed (permanent) dentures.

The oral health benefits of dental implants

1. They prevent jawbone deterioration

Tooth loss can also lead to jawbone deterioration or bone reabsorption. This is due to the root of the tooth no longer stimulating that part of the bone, causing the body to break down and reabsorb the unused tissue gradually. Advanced jawbone deterioration can cause further oral health issues in nearby teeth and lead to some patients having a sunken facial appearance.

Unlike removable dentures, which often require frequent adjustments and replacements, dental implants fuse with the jawbone and provide a stable foundation for artificial teeth. This integration process, known as osseointegration, ensures the individual has a durable, fixed tooth replacement solution that lasts a lifetime. They prevent the individual's body from reabsorbing the bone tissue. This stimulation from everyday functions like biting and chewing promotes new bone growth and helps preserve the patient's natural facial contours.

2. They improve gum health

When the jawbone deteriorates over time, it does more than cause bone loss. Losing bone tissue can also lead to gum recession, compromising the stability of the patient's surrounding teeth. Additionally, gum recession can increase the risk of oral health issues such as sensitive teeth, tooth decay, and periodontal (gum) disease.

By acting as artificial tooth roots that anchor in the jawbone, implants provide the necessary support for one's remaining natural teeth, reducing the risk of further oral health issues. Additionally, dental implants do not require special care. Patients can treat them similarly to natural teeth and maintain good oral hygiene through daily brushing and flossing.

3. They protect remaining natural teeth from decay

When a person loses a tooth, the surrounding teeth can shift and become misaligned. This misalignment can lead to gaps between them where food particles become trapped. Over time, these particles can build up, causing oral health issues such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Dental implants fill the gap created by the missing tooth or teeth, keeping the adjacent teeth in place. Implant placement prevents excess strain on the remaining natural teeth, ensuring that there is no excess pressure or stress on them. Additionally, once an implant fuses with one's jawbone, it provides a stable foundation to support additional restorative treatments like bridges or crowns, protecting the remaining natural teeth while helping avoid future oral health complications.