Dental implants are often considered the gold standard of tooth restoration because they’re the only treatment that includes a rod that’s inserted directly into and fuses with your jawbone. It functions like the root of a natural tooth and provides unique advantages that other methods don’t. Among them is the ability to preserve a more youthful appearance, and who wouldn’t want that? Continue reading to learn about 3 ways that dental implants can keep you looking younger!
Way #1: Preserve Facial Structure
Did you know that when you lose a tooth, your body reabsorbs the bone mass surrounding it because it’s no longer needed? If you’ve lost more than one, your jawbone deteriorates more rapidly. On top of that, older adults tend to lose bone density naturally, too, which means your teeth and jaw are already weaker than they used to be. This leads to a less defined jawline and sagging cheeks which can make you feel older than you are.
The good news is that once in place, dental implants stimulate your bone anytime you bite into something so that it remains functional. This protects your facial structure as well as preserves the supportive foundation for your teeth.
Way #2: Look and Feel Natural
Having to relearn simple tasks that you once took for granted is a frustrating experience many adults go through as a natural part of the aging process. Losing teeth impacts your ability to eat and speak, for example, which can leave you feeling annoyed and embarrassed. Not only that, but you’ll be restricted in what you can and can’t eat if you don’t have the right equipment in your mouth to effectively chew. You don’t want to miss out on your favorite foods!
Fortunately for you, dental implants are so strong that once they’ve fully fused with your jawbone, you don’t have to worry about any dietary restrictions. You don’t have to worry about your dental work dislodging or falling out mid-meal like you do with other treatment options. You’ll have durable replacement teeth that allow you to eat and speak just like you did before tooth loss. That means you can continue to eat a well-balanced diet that gives your body all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and active well into your later years.
Way #3: Prevent Additional Tooth Loss
Tooth loss is so prevalent in our society today that almost 1 in 5 adults over the age of 65 have lost all of their pearly whites. Because each loss contributes to the decline of your jawbone, it eventually weakens to the point where it simply can’t hold them anymore. Many adults in this position opt for dentures because filling your entire mouth with dental implants can be a long and costly experience. Nothing betrays your age faster than having to remove dentures in front of family and friends during dinner.
Dental implants, however, strengthen your jaw so that you’ll be able to keep your remaining natural teeth longer than you would otherwise. Having one placed now can circumvent additional tooth loss.
If you’re looking for a way to maintain a more youthful lifestyle, contact your dentist today about dental implants. You’ll be looking and feeling as confident and healthy as you did in years past!
About the Author
Dr. Gary Nawrocki has 4 decades of experience improving patients’ lives by fulfilling their dental goals and needs. He earned his Doctorate in Dentistry from the University of Florida in 1980 and has since completed thousands of hours of continuing education. He handles the entire dental implant procedure from the initial consultation to surgical placement to the final restoration on site, meaning that you won’t need additional outside referrals. He’s happy to walk through the process with you so that you’re calm and comfortable the entire time. You’re welcome to request a consultation appointment on the website or by calling (321) 783-7514.