According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 17% of adults aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth. And per information on the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial website, adults between the ages of 20 to 64 years have an average of 25.5 remaining teeth. If you’re supposed to have 32 teeth in total, or 28 after wisdom teeth removal, it makes these statistics a bit staggering. And what happens when those missing teeth aren’t replaced? The answer is not good. This is why many Americans seek dental implants as a tooth replacement option. Read on, and we’ll tell you why.

Dental Implants: The Key to a Natural Smile

When we’re missing teeth, it can lead to a range of problems for our oral health, not to mention our overall health. Delaying the replacement of a lost tooth for an extended period can lead to the drifting of neighboring teeth, resulting in potential issues like crowding. The growth of teeth into the empty space left by the missing tooth can cause uncomfortable pressure and create narrow gaps between the teeth and gums.

An article by PubMed Central states that poor oral health creates a greater risk for dental decay. And the subsequent tooth loss that occurs when that decay isn’t treated promptly can lead to more frequent pain experiences, social isolation, and low self-esteem, thus reducing quality of life and, in turn, contributing to poorer mental and overall health. For this reason, if you are missing teeth, it’s time to look into tooth replacement options with your dentist in New Bern, NC.

Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular as a tooth replacement option. Compared to your other options, bridges and dentures, implants are best in restoring the natural appearance of your teeth, improving your facial structure, and giving you back your chewing function and your ability to speak properly. Having a full mouth of happy and healthy teeth also provides a natural boost to your overall confidence and well-being.

1. Dental implants restore the appearance of your natural teeth.

Dental implants offer a remarkably natural-looking appearance as they closely resemble the structure of natural teeth. Dental implants become hidden from sight by utilizing a titanium implant post that is securely inserted into the jawbone. This integration process allows the implants to effectively replicate the functions of natural tooth roots, providing a stable and aesthetically pleasing restoration.

2. Tooth implants from your New Bern family practice dentist enhance your facial aesthetics and structure.

When teeth are missing, the jawbone loses the necessary support to maintain facial aesthetics and structure. The natural contour of your face, which relies on a healthy and well-formed jawbone to support all of your teeth, may gradually collapse over time. This can manifest as a sunken appearance or a shorter face than what is considered normal. Dentures, a common option for tooth replacement, can exert excessive pressure on the jawbone, potentially accelerating bone shrinkage as they rest on the jawbone’s surface.

While cosmetic surgery can address loose skin on the face, jawbone shrinkage may persist, leading to premature skin aging and facial sagging. Dental implants offer a potential solution to prevent or alleviate facial sagging. And, even if there is bone loss, dental implants can still be placed. Bone grafting techniques may be employed to restore the lost bone. After a few months of healing, the grafts regenerate, providing a foundation for dental implants. These implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent further shrinkage and maintain its integrity.

3. Dental implants help restore your ability to chew and speak properly.

The loss of a single tooth or multiple teeth can significantly impact your ability to chew properly. Gaps left by missing teeth can create challenges in effectively breaking down food, leading to discomfort and difficulty while eating. 

Individuals may find themselves avoiding certain foods altogether to prevent food particles from becoming trapped in these empty spaces. However, with the placement of a dental implant, a proper bite can be restored, allowing for improved chewing functionality and the enjoyment of a wide variety of foods. Furthermore, dental implants contribute to clearer speech by providing stability and support for the surrounding teeth, enabling better pronunciation and articulation.

4. Your new tooth implants will provide a boost in your self-confidence and overall well-being.

Having new tooth implants can significantly enhance your self-confidence and overall well-being. According to a study highlighted in the article “The Surprising Connections Between Oral Health and Well-Being” by UIC College of Dentistry, the appearance of your teeth plays a crucial role in how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you.

By replacing missing teeth with dental implants, you can regain a complete and natural-looking smile, boosting your confidence and self-esteem. This improved self-image can positively impact your interactions, relationships, and overall quality of life, allowing you to smile, speak, and confidently engage with others.

5. Dental implants are built to last.

When dental implants are diligently cared for through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, along with adopting healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet and avoiding tobacco products, they can last a lifetime.

Titanium tooth implants are designed to be highly durable and resilient. With a success rate of approximately 95%, dental implants have demonstrated their reliability in providing long-term tooth replacement solutions.

Experience the benefits of dental implants with your New Bern family practice dentist.

Dental implants offer many benefits as a reliable and long-lasting restorative dentistry solution. By choosing Oxley Comprehensive Dental, your trusted New Bern family practice dentist, you can experience the transformative effects of dental implants firsthand.

These implants restore the appearance and functionality of natural teeth, enhance facial aesthetics, improve chewing and speech abilities, and boost self-confidence and overall well-being. With proper care, titanium dental implants can last a lifetime, providing a permanent solution for missing teeth.

Take the first step toward a confident smile and schedule a consultation with Oxley Comprehensive Dental today.