Missing teeth is not only an aesthetic problem, it can breed short and long-term complications when it comes to your oral health. It can lead to jaw bone loss and deterioration, changes in facial structure, and even digestive problems. You may already know how a healthy mouth leads to a healthy life, based on a holistic view on oral hygiene, but today we'll be talking about how dental implants can be part of oral health.
Fortunately, with today’s advancements in dental technology and continuing specialized training programs for dentists, missing teeth can be replaced through a lot of options. If you're missing one or more of your teeth and would prefer not to have a bridge or full or partial dentures, you might consider asking your dentist whether you’d be a good candidate for dental implants.
Dental implants provide a more natural tooth replacement than dentures because they’re artificial teeth that are attached directly to the jawbone. Dental implants can improve oral health because they help preserve the teeth, bone, and gums you still have.
Why are dental implants necessary for oral health?
Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent. It is the most natural or closest to natural teeth among tooth replacement options.
- Dental implants help restore natural biting and chewing ability, leading to improved digestion.
- Dental implants reduce stress on remaining teeth by offering independent support structure for the implant.
- Dental implants preserve bone and reduce bone resorption and deterioration.
- Dental implants preserve the integrity of facial structures (since it prevents bone deterioration).
Of course, we cannot discount its cosmetic benefits. Since replacement teeth look more like natural teeth, your smile is improved. This is particularly important in the front of your mouth, where preventing a visible bone defect is critical for natural appearance.
Dr. Reese is an Indianapolis Dentist with Dental Implant Experience
Dr. Reese has been doing dental implant procedures for over 25 years. You can browse his work on dental implants in this gallery. If you want to discuss missing tooth replacement options or have been told that you are not a candidate for implants, you can contact his office for a second opinion or call 317-882-0228 to schedule an appointment.