If you’re missing teeth, it can be incredibly difficult to smile around close friends and family. But even if you were to replace your teeth with a traditional bridge or denture, it would only provide cosmetic benefits. That means many of the functions you had previously wouldn’t come back after treatment. You’d still struggle with chewing foods and speaking as properly as you’d like.
That’s where dental implants in Lake Highlands come in. Learn about their functional benefits and why you should consider them as a long-term solution!
How Dental Implants Restore Function
Dental implants are designed to be placed directly inside the jawbone. This is a far cry from what traditional bridges and dentures do, which is simply sit on top of your existing gum tissue. While this restores your smile’s appearance, it does nothing to address the underlying problem underneath your gums. That problem is bone resorption and deterioration.
The moment a tooth is lost, the alveolar bone inside your tooth’s socket and jaw begins to break down. After enough time, bone will transfer back into the body to areas where it’s more likely to be stimulated. Dental implants are the only type of restoration available today that integrates with alveolar bone after placement, making it unique in the field of tooth replacement and prosthodontics.
Keep in mind that your bone may require grafting if it’s been a long time since your tooth was extracted. Thankfully, treatment for dental implants has been better than ever before thanks to advanced implantation techniques and technology.
A Stronger Biting Force
With a stronger jaw that’s constantly being stimulated, you can eat all the foods you enjoyed prior to your tooth loss without worry. Since your prosthetic root is interacting directly with your alveolar bone, it prevents it from resorbing back into your body and shrinking your jawbone.
It doesn’t matter if you want to crunch on a handful of nuts, bite into a crisp apple or order yourself a juicy steak from your favorite restaurant, dental implants have proven to be a durable, long-term solution for those looking to replace teeth as naturally as possible.
Additional Cosmetic Benefits
Of course, the restorative benefits don’t stop there. Dental implants also restore blood flow, which directly impacts the appearance of your cheeks and skin. Tooth loss prevents proper nutrients from traveling to the gums and facial tissue, resulting in premature signs of aging. A denture or bridge may restore your smile, but they do nothing to prevent your cheeks from hollowing out or begin sagging sooner compared to those who still have their natural teeth or implants.
With so many benefits to consider, it’s no wonder people are taking the time to give dental implants in Lakewood a closer look. Schedule an appointment with a dentist to learn more about restoring the appearance and functionality of your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Mariya Bennett earned her dental degree from the University of Michigan. She offers the surgical placement and restoration of dental implants for those seeking tooth replacement. To schedule a free implant consultation with her office or learn more about her expertise, you can contact her through her website.
