Benefits of Dental Implants
Dublin, OH

When you suffer tooth loss, you have several options for replacement. Traditionally, the answer has been dentures. However, dentures can be uncomfortable, may slip out of place, and require additional care. Today, there are dental implants. Implants involve a surgical procedure in which small titanium rods are inserted into your jawbone. The rods then support your replacement teeth. At Rekos & Border Oral Surgery, we offer dental implants because of their numerous benefits.

Permanent

Unlike dentures, implants are permanent. Dentures need to be removed every night for thorough cleaning. While doing so gives your gums a chance to rest and heal, the daily maintenance can rather tedious for many patients. Implants, on the other hand, can be cleaned and cared for just like your natural teeth. You can use regular toothpaste and floss. No extra care outside of being careful to avoid chewing on anything exceptionally hard (ice, pens, etc.) is required.

Eating and Speaking Are Easier

Dentures often pose problems eating and speaking, particularly when getting used to them or when they become loose. Implants sit in your mouth just as your natural teeth would. There is no extra bulk to work around. You also don’t have to worry about them slipping out of place. This allows for both eating and speaking to be much easier. When it is easier to chew, you can chew your food better. This allows for better digestion and better absorption of nutrients. As a result, improved eating ability can lead to improved overall health.

Comfortable

A top complaint of dentures is that they are uncomfortable. Dentures are supported by your gums, which were not designed to support any structures. Dentures put pressure on your gums and can restrict blood flow (which then restricts the transportation of nutrients and oxygen). Dentures, when they do not fit properly, may also slip out of place. When this happens, the rigid acrylic rubs against your gum tissue, causing sores.

Implants avoid these issues and are much more comfortable than traditional dentures. Rather than being supported by your gums, your false teeth are supported by the titanium implants, which mimic the roots of your teeth. Pressure is taken off of your gums, and blood can flow as normal. Dental implants are also secured in place, and therefore do not slip and cause sores.

Jaw Health

When you lose your teeth, your jawbone begins to grow weak and resorb. Your teeth stimulate your jawbone, which sends messages throughout your body that nutrients are needed. Without teeth, these messages cease. Nutrients once sent to your jaw are sent elsewhere. As your jaw weakens, it changes shape, which can then alter, and age, your face. Dentures, even though they replace your teeth, do not stimulate the jawbone. As a result, the bone still continues to resorb. Over time, your dentures will no longer fit, and you will need to be fit for a new set.

Implants are well known to slow, even stop, the progression of jaw resorption. This is because the implants imitate the roots of your natural teeth. When you chew, the implants stimulate the jawbone, so nutrients are sent. This helps to maintain the strength of your jaw. Your jaw is less likely to change shape, and your facial shape remains unaltered as well.

If you have suffered tooth loss, and are wondering if you are a candidate for dental implants, Drs. Rekos & Border can help. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your consultation.