Can Dental Implants Help You Live Longer?
Do you have noticeable gaps in your smile due to tooth loss? Dentures, bridges, and dental implants can all replace missing teeth. However, only implants offer certain benefits that can actually boost your life expectancy. Want to know more? Keep reading to learn about the unique advantages of implant treatment.
Prevent Additional Tooth Loss
Did you know that the pressure from chewing stimulates your jawbone through the tooth roots? When teeth go missing, that stimulation disappears too. As a result, your jawbone may begin to deteriorate, which can lead to the loss of other teeth. This is extremely important because, according to the Oral Health Foundation, a recent study found that people who have a full set of teeth when they are 74 years old are significantly more likely to reach the age of 100!
Traditional dentures and bridges only replace the visible portion of missing teeth and cannot stop the process of bone deterioration. However, dental implants replace missing teeth from the roots up. Implants are the only tooth replacement solution that stimulates new bone growth, which benefits your jawbone and prevents additional tooth loss.
Protect Against Gum Disease and Associated Health Risks
Practicing good oral hygiene can be much simpler with dental implants than with dentures and bridges. Because implanted teeth feel like natural teeth, you can brush twice a day and floss daily with ease. Doing so reduces your chances of developing gum disease and the associated health risks. Untreated gum disease has been linked to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, pregnancy complications, and more.
Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet
Individuals with dentures or bridges have to avoid eating certain foods, like nuts, seeds, apples, raw carrots, and corn on the cob. The complete list includes some very healthy foods! Because implants integrate directly with the jawbone, they restore nearly full chewing power. This means you can once again enjoy all your favorite foods. Eating a healthy, balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals will help you live longer.
Improve Your Quality of Life
Dental implants don’t just boost life expectancy, but they also improve your quality of life. Having missing teeth or wearing an ill-fitting dental restoration can lower your self-esteem. Over time, feelings of embarrassment, anxiety or depression can negatively impact your health. Dental implants can restore your smile and your confidence! You will be able to eat, speak, and laugh normally around friends, family, and coworkers.
If you have missing teeth, dental implants are a clear choice to improve your oral health and your overall well-being. Talk to your dentist today to find out more!