If you have one or more missing teeth, you’ll want to explore your options for replacing them. While some people opt for bridges and dentures, this might not be the best solution for your situation. Consider the advantages of dental implants, which will improve your oral health as well as your smile.

Prevent Shifting of Teeth and Bone Loss

You may think that replacing missing teeth is not important. Missing teeth, however, can cause the teeth on either side of the gap or gaps to weaken. Other teeth in your mouth may also shift and loosen, heightening the risk of losing more teeth as well as giving you an improper bite or malocclusion. In addition to these problems, bone loss may occur because of the loss of stimulation in the area the missing tooth once occupied. As bone is lost the shape of your face may change.

The good news is that implants will help prevent these problems. Bridges and dentures, on the other hand, will not stop bone loss. In addition, bridges will require that the adjacent healthy teeth be altered, which is not the case with dental implants. With this in mind, you can see that dental implants may be your best choice for preserving your teeth and keeping your oral health in top shape.

Protecting Against Gum Disease

When you lose a tooth, the injured area is a breeding-ground for bacteria that cause gum disease. These bacteria will spread to adjacent teeth, infecting the gums around them. If the tooth was lost due to advanced gum disease, also called periodontitis, these teeth are also in danger of being lost. To prevent this from happening, you should immediately see an oral surgeon. Whether you have dental implants or not, you should brush after every meal, if possible, and floss daily. Using a therapeutic mouthwash is also recommended, though it should not take the place of regular brushing and flossing.

Keep Eating The Foods You Love

What bothers many people about dentures and bridges is that they can no longer eat all the foods they once enjoyed. Instead, they have to pay attention to a list of foods they should avoid. One of the advantages of dental implants, however, is that you regain up to 90% of your chewing ability, whereas with dentures you are at a low 20%. This means you will be able to eat almost anything you can cut with a fork. There are some foods you’ll want stay away from, however, such as popcorn and sticky candy. Also, foods and drinks, such as red wine, coffee and tea contain tannins, which are capable of staining dental implants. Consult your oral surgeon if you have questions about any foods you are unsure about.

Boost Your Confidence

Whether you have lost teeth because of gum disease, playing sports, or an accident, a toll will be taken on your self-confidence. You may find yourself hiding your smile in order to conceal unsightly gaps in your teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants look like your natural teeth, so no one can tell the difference. Once again, you’ll be able to smile with confidence.

Getting Started

At Good Samaritan Dental Implant Institute we strive to give you the best in personalized dental implant care and to see that your dental health is restored to an optimum level. We offer free consultations, personal video appointments, and same day emergency appointments. During your initial office visit, you can expect to be greeted by a warm and friendly staff. First and foremost, we practice Personalized Implant Care, which means your specific individual needs are thoroughly reviewed as part of our initial consultation and recommendation. We use Straumann Implants, which are the best on the market, and follow up visits are free for life. Contact Good Samaritan Implant Institute today and let your new smile begin.