3 Ways Dental Implants Make Your Whole Mouth Healthier

Dental implants help your mouth

What makes dental implants so special?

Dental implants are the premier option for replacing your missing teeth, restoring oral function, and creating a natural-looking smile. From replacing a single tooth to creating a new set of teeth, your dentist uses dental implants to improve your oral health. However, they contribute to your overall health too.    

More studies are proving that your oral and physical health are directly connected. Many dental professionals can identify chronic health conditions with a simple oral evaluation! 

Every patient deserves to be well informed about the various benefits of any dental procedure, including how dental implants contribute to improved oral health. 

What is a dental implant? 

A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces a tooth’s root. It has an abutment, or a connector, placed on top of the implant. Eventually, the abutment serves as the anchor for an artificial tooth, such as a crown, which the dental lab matches to your natural teeth. Cementing the final restoration on top of the implant is the last step of the implant placement process.

Sometimes dental implants are used individually to replace a single tooth. Other times multiple implants replace multiple teeth. And quite often implants are placed strategically to support a section of missing teeth or a whole arch of teeth. When used for a full arch, your doctor will usually place 4 or 6 dental implants to support a fixed denture. This is known as implant-supported dentures.    

Dental Bridge vs. Implant 

Dental bridge versus an implant (or implants) is a common topic when weighing your tooth replacement options. Both create a natural-looking smile while replacing missing teeth. Each restorative treatment comes with its own pros and cons.  

A bridge will restore your smile’s appearance and function and cost less than an implant. However, it is not as durable. Patients with bridges follow a regular oral hygiene routine but have to pay extra attention when flossing. 

Dental bridges are more susceptible over time to cavities near the gumline. This type of restoration does not replace the tooth’s root. Therefore, you can begin to lose mass in your jawbone as well, contributing to an altered appearance.    

Dental implants cost more than bridges, too, but they are incredibly stable. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. Unlike a bridge, the implant replaces the tooth and the root, keeping your jawbone density strong and healthy. But for an implant to be successful, you must have good oral health and be committed to caring for your implants.     

Why Choosing an Implant Is Good for Your Overall Health 

Dental implants provide a healthy option for replacing your adult teeth, regardless of age. Whether you’ve been missing that tooth since birth or had your teeth extracted due to disease, implant placement will affect your overall health in a positive way. 

Implants prevent shifting teeth. 

Your teeth work together to create a support system for the surrounding teeth. When you lose a tooth, that support disappears. The adjacent teeth feel an opening and shift and tilt to begin closing the space, leading to issues with biting, chewing, and your jaw joint. 

The new position of the teeth may make them challenging to clean properly, causing those teeth to be more susceptible to decay. 

A dental implant simulates a natural tooth and prevents the rest of your teeth from moving, limiting bone loss. This false tooth will help keep your teeth straight and healthy and prevent problems caused by a missing tooth. 

You can eat more nutritious foods.

Dental implants are one of the only dental restorations that allow patients to enjoy food the way they did before losing their teeth. After the dental implant heals, you can eat a wider variety of foods and boost your nutrition intake. 

Implants improve your comfort and make chewing easier. You can enjoy apples and chips again! It’s essential to continue practicing good oral hygiene; this keeps gum disease at bay and the tissues surrounding the implants healthy.    

An implant fills the empty socket.

A tooth extraction leaves a hole in your bone and gum tissue. A dry socket may develop if a blood clot fails to form or becomes dislodged. You may experience the following symptoms: 

  • Exposed bone in the socket 
  • Ache or throbbing in the jaw or gums 
  • Unpleasant smell or taste coming from the socket 

You must see your dentist immediately for treatment to prevent it from getting worse. If this condition is left untreated, it can become excruciating and lead to other issues, including delayed healing and infection.   

Dental Implant Maintenance 

Another benefit of dental implants is that they don’t have an intricate maintenance plan. Because they integrate with your jawbone and remain in place, caring for them is just like caring for your natural teeth.

Brushing and flossing regularly, along with using mouthwash, will keep the tissue around the implant healthy. That’s it! There are no extra steps to learn! 

Trust a Knowledgeable Dentist in The Villages, Florida. 

Call Laurel Manor Dental today if you are interested in learning more about implant dentistry or implant-supported dentures. We’re here to listen to your goals, address your needs, and restore your smile!