How Dental Implants Can Restore Your Oral Health
Dental Implant Tooth Replacement
It is no secret that dental implants offer patients a reliable, long-term teeth replacement solution. But until you have implants yourself, it can be difficult to understand just how much one’s quality of life can improve. If you are considering dental implants, it is important to understand all of the benefits that come with them. Today, our team at Bowmanville Dental explores five ways that dental implants can restore your oral health.
Preserve Jawbone Density
When tooth loss occurs, bone deterioration is a natural progression. For example, when teeth roots are present, they stimulate the jawbone and promote bone health. Once they are gone, bone density decreases significantly over time. As we age, the jawbone requires ongoing stimulation to retain its volume. Dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth and actively preserve bone tissue.
Reduce the Risk of Cavities
When teeth are missing, the gaps and spaces in your smile can become a breeding ground for oral bacteria. Plaque begins to accumulate, and as a result, your teeth can be more susceptible to decay. Dental implants effectively fill in the gaps and reduce the risk for cavities.
Unlike natural tooth enamel, dental implants are impervious to decay. However, this should not be an excuse to practice poor hygiene. Be sure you brush and floss your implant every day, just like your natural teeth.
Improve Gum Health
In the same way that gaps can give rise to tooth decay, they can also make you more vulnerable to periodontal disease. As the jawbone deteriorates following tooth loss, the gums recede as well. This can wreak havoc on your overall oral health. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can fill out your smile and reduce the risk for periodontal issues.
It is important to note, however, that implants can still be negatively affected by gum disease. When bacteria seep beneath the gum line, infection causes the bone around the implants to erode. As a result, a deep pockets forms around the posts, resulting in mobility, and in some cases, complete implant failure. To prevent this, practice good oral hygiene habits and attend routine dental visits.
Prevent Teeth From Shifting
When one element of your smile is missing or out of place, it can lead to a host of more serious oral health issues. This is especially true when gaps are present, as the teeth rely on one another to retain proper alignment and occlusion. If a missing tooth is not replaced within a few months, the surrounding teeth will begin to shift to try and fill the space left behind. This can have a negative impact on your bite. Conversely, a dental implant fills that void and preserves your smile for optimal function.
Avoid Denture-Related Problems
If you or a loved one wears traditional dentures, then you understand the challenges that accompany this type of appliance. Even if dentures fit perfectly once they are placed, they may become loose or wobbly over time due to changes in the underlying bone ridge. Dental implants can provide unparalleled support for dentures, anchoring the prostheses to the jaw. Patients who choose this treatment option can eat their favourite foods without worry.
Contact Our Practice for More Information
Dr. Levy offers oral surgery, dental implant placement, sedation and sleep dentistry in his clinic in the Bowmanville Mall. No referral is necessary. During your initial exam with Dr. Levy, he will assess your dental health and needs, give you treatment options, and you can schedule treatment when you are ready. Discover how dental implants can help you restore your smile. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Levy today.