With Thanksgiving just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to express gratitude for things in your life you might otherwise take for granted, like your dental implants! Many dentists consider them to be the gold standard for replacing missing teeth and with good reason. Of all the options, they’re unique in that they’re inserted directly into your jaw to function like a natural tooth. That’s not all, though. Keep reading to learn 3 more reasons to be grateful for your dental implant this season!
Reason #1: Maintain Bone Mass
Many patients don’t realize that their jawbone deteriorates with every lost tooth. When a pearly white falls out, your body recognizes that support is no longer necessary in that part of your mouth and begins to reabsorb bone mass. It slowly starts to atrophy and in time could become too weak to support your teeth.
Dental implants prevent this from happening because they include a titanium support rod that’s placed into your jaw. Then, through a process called osseointegration, your bone fuses with it just like it would with a root. The abutment is stimulated every time you bite down or chew which lets your body know it’s being utilized. As a result, you won’t experience the same level of corrosion.
Reason #2: Preserve a Youthful Facial Structure
Tooth loss often accompanies aging and is associated with growing older. If you’ve lost one or more, it can leave you feeling self-conscious about your appearance. Then, as your jawbone begins to weaken, you’ll experience sunken cheeks accompanied by sagging skin. To add insult to injury, you’ll also likely develop other problems like a misaligned bite as your teeth shift in response to these changes.
Fortunately, dental implants keep your facial structure intact. By keeping your jaw active and healthy, you’ll keep your youthful visage much longer!
Reason #3: Conserve Resources
Though dental implants may cost more upfront than other restorations like dental bridges or dentures, in the long run, you could end up saving money. Once they’re fully healed, they’re firmly planted so you won’t have to worry about them becoming dislodged like with other options. Furthermore, they’re incredibly durable and can last decades with the right care. You don’t have to be concerned about having them relined periodically or ruining them by eating the wrong food. That means you likely won’t have to worry about repairing or replacing them anytime soon if you keep up a healthy hygiene routine.
Be sure to show your dental implants some tender love and care this season by maintaining your oral healthcare regimen so you can continue to make the most of them for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Arindam Kakkar graduated from the NYU College of Dentistry in 2006 and has been enhancing patients’ lives by improving their smiles since then. He understands that tooth loss can impact both your physical as well as your emotional well-being. He’s a trained dental implant specialist who can perform all aspects of the implant procedure from your initial consultation to surgery to finally placing your restoration. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (908) 850-0005.