Did you know that simply smiling improves your attitude even if you are by yourself? That’s just one of the many ways that having a mouth free of decay or missing teeth can have an impact on your health both mental and physical. It’s also hard to eat a balanced diet if you have ongoing tooth issues since many of the healthy foods you need are hard to chew. Plus if you’re missing teeth, you’ll probably have a tell-tale hollow-cheek look.
If you are missing teeth or have teeth that are so decayed they need to be removed, you’re best option is often a dental implant. Other solutions, depending on your condition, are a crown (on the original tooth), dentures (which you remove regularly and put back in), or a bridge (anchored to an existing tooth). All three tend to need replacement or adjustments periodically, and can have problems with usage or aesthetics.
Although dental implants are the most expensive solution, they are a much more effective permanent solution that restores your smile and upgrades your overall health. And because they feel and look just like your natural teeth and work the same way you’ll notice a definite improvement in your quality of life.
Implants will prevent bone loss because they replace the tooth from its root. Other options don’t do that, which means the bone in that area may start to break down due to a resorption process which can lead to further oral health complications. You also want to make sure you don’t wait too long after losing a tooth to start the implant process. Waiting too long can mean you will need bone grafts.
Dental implants can also be used as the anchor for a dental arch if you have lost all of your upper or lower teeth. Called an All-on-4 denture, this process involves four implants strategically placed in your upper or lower jaw and then an arch or bridge is screwed onto the implants, restoring all of your teeth.
You will also find with dental implants that you can eat any type of foods you’ll have no restrictions! Crispy vegetables, chewy steak, sticky caramel-covered apples you can eat them all. You’ll also be able to chew properly, which means your digestion will be improved.
Dental implants involve a titanium rod being inserted into the root of your tooth or bone, so you don’t have to worry about slippage or movement of the artificial tooth that is attached to the implant. Sneeze, cough, laugh, chew vigorously none of those usual things will impact your dental implant!
To restore your mouth to its original state, dental implants are your best option. The natural state of an original tooth is reproduced, so it’s like having real teeth again that don’t move or slip or require high maintenance (like a denture).
You’ll also be able to taste food normally again with dental implants if you’re switching from using upper dentures. With dentures, your plate is sealed, which means you can’t taste the full flavor of your food. Dental implants, however, don’t cover your palate and you can enjoy the maximum flavors of food.
When you are ready to take a look at your oral restoration options, consider dental implants. We recommend that you meet with a dentist from Personal Care Dentistry for a complimentary exam to determine if implants are your preferred option. You can also find out what your treatment plan would be, how much it would cost, and learn about financing options.
Source: Worldental.org, American Dental Plan
A New Year’s You: Dental Health Resolutions
Most New Year’s resolutions revolve around increasing your health and your wealth. If you choose to make dental resolutions around your oral care, you’ll create a win-win situation for both your oral health and financial situation. There’s no better way to solve dental issues by avoiding them in the first
