Dental implants are often touted as the pinnacle of tooth restoration because they offer unique advantages over other options, like dentures and dental bridges. They’re the only method that’s inserted directly into your jawbone so that it both looks and functions like the pearly white you lost. Did you know that it can also elongate your lifespan? Keep reading to learn 3 ways dental implants can extend your livelihood.
#1: They Prevent Tooth Loss
Unfortunately, many serious health conditions are linked to tooth loss. Those who lose 5 or more permanent teeth by the time they turn 65 are at an increased risk of concerns like heart conditions, diabetes, and osteoporosis among others. These can greatly impact your overall well-being in the worst way. For example, heart disease is the leading cause of death in our country. On the flip side of the coin, seniors who keep all of their teeth by the time they’re 74 years old are much more likely to live to be 100 than those who’ve lost theirs.
When you lose a tooth, your body reabsorbs some of the surrounding bone mass that was used to support it. As a result, your jaw weakens gradually over time and can eventually become so deteriorated that it can no longer support your pearly whites. Dental implants help by stimulating the jawbone, so it doesn’t atrophy. Once it is inserted directly in your jaw, the support rod activates it whenever you bite down or chew. This helps your remaining teeth stay put for longer which is associated with an extended lifeline.
#2: They Help Avoid Gum Disease
Some restorative treatments, like dental bridges and dentures, increase the likelihood of developing gum disease because bacteria thrive in the spaces between your dental work and your teeth. They’re also harder to keep clean because it can be challenging to clean all their nooks and crannies.
This can seriously impact your health because gum disease can spread to other areas through the bloodstream and cause even more damage. For example, it’s been associated with heart disease, type 2 diabetes, infertility issues, lung infections, and Alzheimer’s.
Fortunately, dental implants are easy to care for. Simply brush and floss them along with your natural teeth to avert potential problems.
#3: They Allow for a Well-Balanced Diet
Dentures and dental bridges come with a list of food restrictions because certain things can break, dislodge, or warp them. You don’t have to worry about this with dental implants because your jawbone fuses with them so that you can treat them like a normal tooth. That means you can continue to eat a variety of foods to give your body the nutrients it needs. If you don’t already have wholesome eating habits, now’s a great time to get started.
Dental implants are a wonderful way to refurbish your smile all while helping your systems to function at their peak so that you can live a long and happy life!
About the Practice
The compassionate dental team at Bright Smiles Dentistry provides a full range of oral healthcare services to patients of all ages, including dental implants. They have the right equipment onsite to be your doctors for every step in the process from the initial consultation to the surgical procedure to the final result. You’re welcome to request a consultation appointment on the website or by calling (262) 563-9100.