Dental Implants for Missing Teeth

If you’re missing one or more of your teeth, you’re certainly not alone. Almost 180 million Americans have at least one missing tooth while over 35 million Americans have lost a complete mouthful–that’s approximately 25% of seniors over the age of 74. Most people lose at least one tooth by the age of 40. If you still have your original chompers, count your lucky stars and continue with proper dental hygiene. It’s always best to keep your natural teeth if at all possible. However, life doesn’t always play by the rules and tooth loss can be inevitable, especially as we age. Fortunately, tooth loss doesn’t have to be a permanent fixture. Your Brooklyn implant dentist can easily repair the damage so you can bite life right back. But what’s the big deal about a few missing teeth, and why should you consider implants over other options?

Missing Teeth Cause Premature Aging

If you’ve ever wondered why people often look so different between the ages of 30 and 70, tooth loss may play a big part in the mystery. But it’s usually less about the teeth and more about the actual facial bone. Teeth act as anchors to support facial structure. Even one missing tooth can make the jawbone drastically shift. If that anchor is not replaced, the jawbone will continue shifting. This causes the face to collapse, or provide the “sunken-in” look. This can happen far earlier than necessary if you ignore your oral health or avoid regular dental care.

Dental Implants Are Permanent and Protect Existing Teeth

Some tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges can be removed for eating, sleeping, and cleaning. But that also means they can be easily lost or damaged. A dental apparatus is only effective when it’s actually in the mouth. Dental implants are surgically applied to provide a secure and permanent solution. They work, act, and look just like real teeth. And because they fill in the gaps otherwise housing breeding bacteria, they protect existing healthy teeth from potential attack.

Dental Implants Will Help You Eat and Breathe Again

If you’ve ever seen an elderly person gumming their food, you know it doesn’t look like a fun process. But it’s far beyond a simple inconvenience. The human body cannot function properly on soft foods alone. Tooth loss also leads to breathing issues because as the jaw weakens, it weakens the sinus cavity and can cause it to collapse. So, not only are you unable to eat your favorite foods, but you also can’t breathe properly. Dental implants help restructure the jawbone and open the sinuses again.

Kiss Those Cavities Goodbye with Dental Implants

The only way to keep a bright, beautiful smile and avoid countless health issues is to practice good oral health care. The same holds true for dental procedures to avoid bacteria buildup, stains, and basic wear. Unlike natural teeth, however, the materials used in dental implants resist the bacteria that causes cavities and so many other oral health conditions. It’ll still be present in the mouth, gums, and natural teeth. But your Brooklyn dental implants will be impervious to decay. When you’re ready to get your life back, give us a call and see if implants are right for you.