4 Ways Dental Implants Can Protect your Smile

Missing teeth aren’t just a source of embarrassment – they can also be the cause of serious oral issues if left untreated. When it comes to replacing lost teeth, not all restorations are the same. While dentures or bridges may be affordable, these traditional restorative options offer little long-term advantage and can actually do more harm than good to your smile. In contrast, dental implants and implant-supported treatments can actually protect the health of your smile.

Check out these four examples of how dental implants can protect and improve your dentition.

1. Restores Full Dental Function
   At their core, dental implants are designed to replace missing or severely damaged teeth by providing a lifelike replacement. From the materials used to the shape of dental implants and their placement, this option interacts with the rest of the smile just like a natural tooth would. In the long-run, this means that patients receive a lifelike, fully functional dental treatment.
2. Prevents Teeth from Shifting Position
   Missing teeth has a number of consequences, one of which is shifting bite. While not noticeable at first, teeth gradually move into the gap left by missing or extracted teeth. This in turn changes the bite and function of the smile and can lead to a number of issues ranging from difficulty chewing and biting as well as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs). Placing a dental implant or implant-supported restoration soon after losing a tooth helps prevent the domino-effect of a shifting bite on the rest of your smile and jaw.
3. Can’t Get Infected
   While natural teeth are susceptible to cavities and tooth decay, dental implants are made of high quality materials that are resistant to infection and damage. As they are designed to last well into the future, most patients only need to restore their restoration in the event of an accidental crack. While dental implant patients can still get gum disease, an effective oral hygiene routine and regular visits to your dentist can help prevent plaque from accumulating.
4. Encourages Bone Regrowth
   Part of the advantage of dental implants is how the restoration interacts with surrounding tissue, including the jaw. Much like natural teeth, dental implants help stimulate jawbone regrowth and improve bone density. Not only does this help preserve the structure of the jaw and face shape, but patients also benefit from a sturdier, healthier jaw that can support full dental function.

If you’re missing a tooth, finding the right replacement can mean the difference between regaining full oral wellness and losing more teeth. To learn more about the benefits of dental implants, call Dr. Chaudry at Lehigh Valley Oral Surgery and Dental Implants to schedule your free consultation.