What are dental implants? An implant is screwed into your jawbone to support a crown, thereby replacing a lost tooth. 



Read on to discover how dental implants can benefit your oral health today.

If you've lost a tooth, your jawbone can begin to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation. The bone area will lose 25% of its volume within the first year (unless you get a dental implant). Bone loss will also continue if the area still lacks stimulation. 

During this time, your body will break down and reabsorb a portion of the bone tissue. 

About 30% of the alveolar ridge is lost as a result of resorption. The alveolar ridge is part of the jawbone. It contains the tooth socket.

A dental implant can lower the rate of bone resorption, thereby protecting your alveolar ridge. 

Dentures, on the other hand, can accelerate bone loss, especially if they can become loose. When dentures rub against the bone ridge, they can cause wear. Choosing dental implants over dentures can help you prevent bone loss more effectively. 

If you experience bone loss due to a lost tooth, facial sagging and premature aging can occur as well. The lower third of your face will begin to collapse, closing the distance between the tip of your nose and chin.

You could develop wrinkles around your mouth, a more pointed chin, and thinning lips. 

Scheduling your dental implant procedure could help you avoid premature aging. You can replace the tooth root with an implant before bone mass deteriorates. 



The implant will provide support the same way your natural teeth do to prevent facial changes.

Dental implants are designed to look and function like your natural teeth. Available in a range of shapes and sizes, your Catoosa, OK dentist will customize the implant to suit your smile. Matching the color of your surrounding teeth will ensure no one notices the implant is in place.

Since dental implants restore functionality, they can also restore your bite force.

If there's a gap in your smile, it can become difficult to chew hard or crunchy foods. When you don't thoroughly chew your meals, your digestive system has to work harder to break food chunks down. You might begin experiencing digestive problems as a result of your missing tooth.

Dental implants are anchored into the jaw with a titanium post. They're designed to replace your lost tooth, ensuring as much bite force as the tooth you lost. 

Other tooth replacement options won't restore as much of your lost bite force. Most options sit on the top of the gums, while implants are anchored into place. 

A dental implant can restore your ability to speak naturally, too. Missing teeth can alter your speech patterns, causing a lisp or other issues. 

Dental implants function and feel like natural teeth. You'll have an easier time speaking naturally with an implant in place. 

A missing tooth leaves more space for bacteria and food particles to hide. Your surrounding teeth might begin turning toward the gap if you don't replace the missing tooth. You might struggle to thoroughly brush away bacteria and plaque as a result. 

When you don't brush and floss properly, your risk of tooth decay and gingivitis will increase. 

Replacing a lost tooth with an implant can keep your teeth straight, making them easier to brush and floss. 

If you develop gum disease, however, your risk of losing more teeth will increase. 



Dental services can reduce your risk of cavity development as well. Take care of your dental implant by brushing and flossing as you normally would. The material dental implants are made of won't decay, reducing your risk of cavities.

Stability

Your dental implant can also help keep your surrounding teeth stable.

Otherwise, your other teeth will begin migrating toward the gap in your smile. Any change in your alignment can affect your ability to chew and bite. Remember, you could experience digestive issues if you're not chewing thoroughly.

Having a dental implant in place will help your surrounding teeth from shifting.

Schedule an appointment to review the dental care services that can benefit your smile. If your teeth have already started shifting,

consider orthodontic treatment to bring them into alignment.

Better Self-Esteem

Losing a tooth can affect your appearance and smile, which could lead you to smile less frequently. If you no longer feel comfortable smiling around people, it could make you appear less friendly.

Restore your smile with dental implants to improve your oral health and appearance. You can smile with renewed self-esteem, which could improve your quality of life. 

Long Lasting

Your dental implants will last a lifetime, though dental bridges only last about 10 years.

Implants are made using strong, long-lasting materials like titanium. They're integrated into the jawbone and bio-compatible, meaning they're nontoxic.

With other tooth loss solutions, you'll need to schedule appointments for repairs or replacements. Accidental slippage can occur, which can be embarrassing and potentially damaging. 



Among other tooth replacement dental services, dental implants are the superior option. 

Experience the Benefits of Dental Implants

If you're missing a tooth, don't want to schedule an appointment with your dentist. With proper dental care, you can experience the benefits of dental implants firsthand. Treatment can improve your smile and oral health.

Visit your Catoosa, OK dentist today to discuss dental procedures that suit your needs.

Ready to get started? We can't wait to see you.



Contact us to schedule your appointment today.