10 Benefits of Dental Implants You Didn’t Know About

Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement and not without good reason. Not only do they provide a long-lasting natural-looking solution for missing teeth but they also restore an individual’s confidence, health and comfort in ways that other tooth replacement options can’t match. While you’re probably aware of their durability they offer a host of other advantages. Here are 10 lesser-known benefits of dental implants that may surprise you.

#1 Dental implants protect jawbone health

Did you know that when you are missing a tooth the jaw bone in the empty space starts to resorb back into the body due to lack of stimulation? Research shows that following tooth extraction, the bone area loses approximately 30% of its volume with most of this loss occurring in the first six months.

Moreover, loose dentures can even speed up bone loss,  gradually wearing down the alveolar ridge as they rub against it. Because a dental implant replaces both the tooth and the root allowing for normal chewing, it also provides the stimulation necessary to maintain natural bone growth.

#2 Long-lasting solution

A significant benefit of dental implants is their longevity. Unlike dentures and bridges, which may require replacing every 5-15 years, with proper care, implants can last decades and possibly a patient’s lifetime. One long-term survival rate of 1440 implants revealed a survival rate of 4 out of 5 implants after 20 years. Implants are usually made from titanium, a strong biocompatible material, and designed to endure daily wear and tear. While the replacement tooth (dental crown) may need replacing around the 10-15 year mark, the titanium implants post will keep on going.

#3 Improved chewing and digestion

Biting and chewing food can be difficult for people missing several teeth or wearing dentures. Many find they are forced to adopt a softer diet and forego their favorite foods. Because they are embedded into the jaw, dental implants can take as much pressure as a natural tooth, which means patients can bite and chew a crunchy apple or juicy steak without worrying that their bridge or denture may snap. There’s no need to cut your food into small bite-sized pieces to make it easier to digest and also there’s the added bonus of being able to eat a healthier, more nutritious diet.

#4 Hassle-free maintenance

Dental implants fuse with the jawbone in a natural procedure called osseointegration which makes them a permanent fixture in the mouth. Not only do they look and function like natural teeth but you look after them in the same way with daily brushing and flossing combined with regular dental checkups to keep them healthy. Compare this with dentures that often require messy adhesives to keep them in place and overnight soaking to give your gums a break. Not only are implants hassle-free but you can wave goodbye to expensive dental adhesives and cleaning solutions too.

#5 No impact on adjacent teeth

Another significant benefit of dental implants is that, unlike dental bridges, they don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support. Typically, receiving a traditional dental bridge involves the dentist filing down or changing the shape of adjacent teeth so that crowns can be fitted to support the bridge’s framework. Ultimately, this weakens once-healthy teeth and leaves them susceptible to tooth decay. Because dental implants are a stand-alone procedure, the integrity and structure of adjacent teeth are left intact.

#6 Supports facial structures and esthetics

We mentioned earlier that tooth loss causes the jawbone to deteriorate. But leading on from this, missing teeth can also change the shape of the face, giving a hollow sunken appearance that makes a person look older than their years. Since dental implants fuse with the bone not only do they prevent further bone loss, but they also help support your facial structures, giving a more rounded and youthful look.

#7 Enhanced comfort

Dentures often rub the gums or slip around in the mouth, not only causing discomfort and embarrassment but sore patches in the mouth too. Because implants are anchored into the jaw they remain in place and don’t irritate the gums. Functioning just like natural teeth, they feel more comfortable than dentures.

#8 Improved speech

Missing teeth can create challenges with pronunciation and articulation, impacting your clarity and confidence when speaking. Dental implants restore a full set of teeth, supporting proper tongue positioning and airflow essential for clear, natural speech. This stability allows for precise pronunciation, enhancing communication overall.

While an adjustment period may follow implant placement, most patients experience noticeable speech improvement as they adapt to their new dental structure. Initially, some may face minor issues, like difficulty with certain sounds or a slight lisp. These are typically short-lived and manageable with guidance from a speech therapist, who can offer exercises and techniques to aid in a smooth transition.

#9 Natural look and feel

One of the main concerns for anyone looking to replace missing teeth is whether their replacement teeth will look fake. Dental implants are designed to replicate natural teeth in size, shape and color so they blend seamlessly into the smile. Because they fit into the jawbone, rather than resting on the bony ridge, it’s almost important for a non-dentist to spot the difference.

#10 Restores confidence and quality of life

Perhaps, one of the most rewarding benefits of dental implants for patients is a boost to their confidence. For anyone who feels self-conscious about gaps in their smile, dental implants offer the perfect solution. This newly-found confidence can make it easier to interact with others, enhance a person’s mental health, and improve their overall quality of life.

Why choose dental implants?

Dental implants do so much more than replace missing teeth. They offer a permanent and long-lasting solution to tooth loss that promotes oral health and feels completely natural. With implants, you don’t have to worry about embarrassing denture slippage, frequent replacements, and dietary restrictions.

Considering dental implants?

If you’re ready to experience the many benefits of dental implants, why not schedule a free implant consultation with the experienced team at Chesterfield Dentistry? We’re committed to finding the best solution for your dental needs and helping you achieve the healthy beautiful smile you deserve. Contact us today at 314-936-3621 or use our online booking system.