The Benefits of Dental Implants for Your Smile and Dental Health

Dental implants are a comfortable, natural-looking, long-term solution for missing teeth. They consist of a titanium rod surgically implanted in your jawbone to act as a tooth root and a prosthetic tooth attached to the titanium rod. They offer a stable foundation for replacement teeth and can enhance your smile, oral and overall health, and speaking and chewing functions. Getting replacement teeth can also reduce your risk of jawbone loss, facial deformity, and other complications. Here is a look at the benefits of dental implants for your smile and dental health.

A women is undergoing dental treatment in St. Charles, MO

Improved Appearance & Confidence

One of the signs that you need dental implants is if you have multiple missing teeth or multiple teeth that need to be extracted due to trauma, decay, infection, or disease. Once your teeth are gone, they must be replaced by a prosthetic, or you risk developing oral health problems and facial deformities that can affect your confidence and self-esteem. Replacing your teeth with a dental appliance or prosthetic can offer a comfortable, natural-looking solution that restores the beauty of your smile and boosts your confidence. You won’t feel like you have to hide your smile in photos or avoid social events any longer.

Enhanced Functionality & Comfort

Implants are anchored into your jawbone, providing a stable chewing surface. Because they are permanent, they will not shift around in your mouth like dentures might. They are more comfortable than other tooth replacement options, and look more natural. When you get dental implants, you will be able to enjoy a wide variety of foods, including foods that may have been too hard, sticky, or chewy to eat properly. When you have missing teeth, you may also have trouble speaking or pronouncing certain words. Implants restore your speech function and clarity so it’s easier for you to be understood.

Prevents Bone Loss & Maintains Jaw Health

When you have multiple missing teeth and you don’t replace them, you can develop jawbone loss. The jawbone surrounding the missing teeth will start to recede or disintegrate. This can result in facial sagging, jawbone deformity, and changes in your appearance. Poor jawbone density can also cause problems with eating and speaking. Implants can stimulate jawbone growth and preserve its strength and structure.

Durability & Long-Lasting Results

Dental implants are one of the most durable, natural-looking, and long-lasting tooth replacement options. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for decades without needing to be replaced. They are also more stable and comfortable than other dental prosthetics, so you are more likely to have success using them.

Improved Oral Health

The longer you have missing teeth, the more likely it is that your remaining teeth will start to shift to fill in the gaps. This can cause crooked teeth, increased wear and tear on your teeth, and bite problems. You may also eventually develop jaw pain or strain from trying to eat or speak without the proper underlying tooth structure. Getting implants can reduce your risk of tooth loss and improve the overall stability of your teeth. You are also less likely to develop infections, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Easy Care & Maintenance

Dental implants are simple and easy to care for. Because they are permanently implanted in your jawbone, they do not need to be removed for cleaning or oral hygiene. Instead, you can care for them like your natural teeth. You should brush twice per day, floss at least once per day, and use fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash. You should also visit your dentist twice per year for a professional dental cleaning and exam. Your dentist will check for any early warning signs of oral health issues and offer you guidance on properly maintaining your natural and prosthetic teeth.

Signs That You Need Dental Implants

If you have more than one missing tooth or an entire arch of missing teeth, you should explore your options for replacement teeth in order to protect your appearance, oral health, and comfort. You should make an appointment with your dentist or prosthodontist if you notice any signs that you need dental implants:

  • Persistent, severe toothache that doesn’t go away with medication
  • Frequent dental cavities or large dental cavities that can’t be repaired with a root canal
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Severe gum disease
  • Gum recession
  • Changes in your jaw structure due to missing teeth
  • Trouble eating or speaking due to missing teeth
  • Risk factors for tooth decay or disease, such as tobacco use, malnutrition, eating disorder, alcohol overuse, recreational drug use, or poor oral hygiene

Contact Donahue Dental Today for Dental Implant Solutions

At Donohue Dental, we offer affordable dental implants and dentures. Dr. Donahue is a highly skilled and experienced prosthodontist. He and his team will assess your oral health, the condition of your teeth, and your lifestyle to determine if you are a good candidate for this tooth replacement option. We can show you photos of real patients before and after dental implants and help you choose the right type of dental implants for comfort, aesthetics, and oral health. Call us now or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.