Missing a tooth or two might not seem like a big deal, especially if the void isn't in a highly visible part of your mouth, but tooth loss can affect you in more ways than you might think. In addition to making you self-conscious about your smile, missing teeth can also make it harder to eat and talk properly. Fortunately, dental implants, which are false teeth mounted to small titanium posts implanted in your jaw, can help to ward off all kinds of issues. Here are some of the incredible benefits of dental implants.
1. They Prevent Bone Loss
As you go about your day talking, eating, and clenching your teeth, your teeth move slightly in their sockets. Teeth are secured to the jaw tissue by strong ligaments, and these ligaments tug against the bone, keeping the area healthy and strong. Unfortunately, when teeth fall out, the bone doesn't receive this stimulation, and the bone can start to melt away. This process occurs quickly, with the bone losing as much as 25% of its width within the first year after losing a tooth.
Fortunately, dental implants help to prevent bone loss, since they recreate the natural stimulation that your teeth receive as you talk and chew. Before dental implants can be placed, small titanium posts are surgically implanted into the jaw tissue. These posts eventually fuse with your bone, providing a strong, stable anchor for the false teeth that will eventually attach to them.
2. They Protect Your Face Shape
Bone loss can do more than create divots in your gum line. Over time, the bone loss caused by missing teeth can become so significant that it actually changes your face shape. Over time, resorbed bone tissue can cause your face to sag slightly, since there isn't as much underlying bone to support your facial contours.
Dental implants also protect your face shape, helping you to stay looking youthful and natural. Also, since dental implants are designed with full resin or porcelain crowns, your smile can be restored to look as good as new.
3. They Can Last a Lifetime
One of the best things about dental implants is their incredible longevity. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last as long as a lifetime. Also, unlike other tooth replacement options, implants can be cared for with basic brushing and flossing, just like your normal teeth.
If you think that dental implants sound like something that might help you, contact a company like Howley & Basara Family Dentistry PC to schedule a consultation.
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