When it comes to tooth replacement options, you have several, one of which is dental implants. Dental implants are an advanced tooth replacement option that comes with several benefits. In addition to improving the aesthetics of your smile, implants can help to improve the functionality of your mouth. They feel and work virtually identically to natural teeth, restoring your ability to talk and chew the way you used to prior to your tooth loss. These benefits are possible largely because implants mimic the entire tooth structure.
A dental implant consists of a titanium “root” that the dentist inserts into the jawbone. The titanium root and jawbone fuse via a process called “osseointegration,” thereby creating the type of immoveable tooth structure that is similar to the natural tooth. Once osseointegration has occurred, the dentist will cap the steel root with a crown that is made of porcelain, ceramics, or a combination of the two. Though gold does not offer the natural look that most people desire from dental implants, gold is an option as it is durable.
Regardless of the type of material you choose, a dental implant has the potential to last a lifetime if you properly care for it. Implants also offer a host of other benefits that you may not realize with other tooth replacement options.
Implants can improve both your oral health and your overall health in many different ways. Here are just a few of them.
When some of your teeth are missing, it can be more difficult to chew your food. As a result, you may gravitate toward processed foods that are softer and easier to chew. These foods are often high in sugar, fat, and sodium. Eating foods like these on a continuous basis can lead to weight gain and other chronic health problems, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. They can also lead to the further deterioration of tooth and gum health, thereby exacerbating any existing oral health problems.
Dental implants provide the same functionality as natural teeth. This allows you to go back to eating healthier foods that you may have avoided before, such as proteins, fruits, and vegetables, with the confidence that you can now chew them normally and in comfort.
The gap left behind by a missing tooth can form an open pocket in the gums as they start to recede. Because it is difficult to keep clean, bacteria may collect in this pocket and cause gum disease. If this is left untreated, it can progress to the jawbone, putting you at risk for further tooth loss, and potentially spread to the bloodstream where it can travel to other areas of the body and cause new infections. By having an implant placed, you can avoid these outcomes and enjoy renewed and ongoing good oral health.
The roots of the teeth stimulate the jawbone, helping to keep it strong. When a tooth is missing, the lack of stimulation causes resorption of the calcium in the jaw so it can be used elsewhere in the body. This causes the jawbone to lose density. Over time, this can change the shape of your face by altering the structure of the jaw. It can also cause the surrounding teeth to start tilting inward, affecting your bite and putting you at risk for further tooth loss. A dental implant acts like the roots of a tooth to stimulate bone growth in the jaw and prevent resorption from taking place.
Missing teeth can affect your self-esteem. You may not feel the confidence you once did to eat, smile, and laugh naturally for fear of what people will say or think when they see your teeth. By restoring the natural function and appearance of your teeth, dental implants can help improve your confidence in yourself and relieve the stress that can come from having to keep your mouth hidden from others.
Dental implants can benefit both your oral and overall health in several ways. Some benefits, such as improved appearance, may seem obvious, but there are several other, lesser realized benefits that many implant patients enjoy. These include increased comfort and functionality, reduced risk of gum disease, better oral health, and increased self-esteem. Together, each of these benefits contributes to increased health and wellness across all aspects of your life. If you are interested in experiencing the benefits of dental implants first-hand, consult with a dentist regarding your needs, wants, and options.
Request an appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Honolulu, HI.
Dental Implants are metal rods or screws (typically titanium) that are inserted into gum tissues as a general dentistry procedure. They are combined with restorations like crowns, dentures, and bridges to replace missing teeth.Implants help ward off the bone tissue loss that people with missing teeth can find themselves dealing with. The implant transfers bite…
Dental implant surgery can bring back your stunning smile. Tooth loss makes eating, speaking, and even smiling difficult. It affects a person’s self-esteem. Getting implants can make you feel good about yourself again. Here are the details on how a dental implant can help you smile confidently again.People who use removable restorations often complain about…
Dental implants are a popular choice for patients wanting to replace missing teeth. Formerly, partial dentures and dental bridges were the go-to treatments. However, implants have many advantages. They are more stable than removable dentures and typically last longer than bridges. Using this prosthesis, a dentist can replace a single missing tooth without disturbing any…
Dental implants are devices, usually made with titanium, that fuse with the jawbone and replace natural tooth roots. A common reason to get an implant is tooth loss due to tooth decay, gum disease, or an injury to the mouth. Some patients report that dental implants are a more natural-feeling alternative to full or partial…
Your cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth to improve your dental health and appearance. This can even enhance your general health. Bonding material allows the dentist to provide you with a better dental shape. Here are the details on how a cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth with dental bonding.A chipped edge and dental staining…
A cosmetic dentist can help correct tooth imperfections and enhance a smile's appearance. From whiter teeth to overall smile improvement, cosmetic dentistry has something to offer just about everyone. If you are considering cosmetic dentistry, here is some key information to help you decide if it is right for you.Any dental treatment where the key…