How do Dental Implants Contribute to Long-Term Oral Health?

Dual-trained prosthodontist and cosmetic dentist Dr. Stella Oh recommends dental implants as a long-term solution for missing teeth in New York, NY. Not only do they provide aesthetic benefits, but they also contribute to long-term oral health.

Implants improve chewing and speaking, support the surrounding teeth, and can prevent issues like bone loss in the jaw. Below, our staff explores these advantages in detail. Call Madison Avenue Dentists today and find out how dental implants can improve your smile.

Improved chewing and speaking

Unlike removable, temporary dentures, dental implants are fixed to the jawbone with titanium screws or posts. This provides a strong foundation for a restoration such as an implant-based denture, crown, or bridge. As a result, patients can comfortably chew and speak without worrying about their replacement teeth slipping or clicking.

In contrast, traditional dentures rely on adhesive or suction to stay in place. This can be uncomfortable and restrict the types of food a person can eat. Additionally, dentures often cause changes in speaking patterns and may slip or fall out while talking. It's better to avoid these issues with implants.

Support for surrounding teeth

If you have missing teeth due to extraction, trauma, or decay, the teeth next to the gap can shift out of place. You may experience one or more of the following oral health issues in New York, NY:

• Misaligned bite
• Difficulty in cleaning and flossing, leading to increased risk of decay and gum disease
• Uneven wear on teeth due to uneven distribution of chewing force
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders from a misaligned bite

During a consultation at Madison Avenue Dentists, Dr. Oh will examine your teeth and jaw to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. If so, we can fill the gap with a prosthetic that mimics a real tooth root. A dental implant can keep the surrounding teeth in place and maintain proper alignment. It also prevents food from getting stuck in hard-to-clean places, reducing the risk of tooth decay.

Prevention of bone loss in the jaw

When a tooth is gone, the jawbone in that area no longer gets stimulation from chewing and can start to deteriorate. This can result in loss of facial structure. Over time, the jawbone may recede and cause a sunken appearance or sagging around the mouth. Patients may look older than their actual age due to bone loss.

Dental implants, however, fuse with the jawbone and provide stimulation to maintain bone density. The titanium post acts as a replacement tooth root and supports the jawbone. Patients won't have to worry about a deteriorating jawline or changes in appearance with implants.

In addition to these benefits, dental implants have a high success rate and can last a lifetime with proper care. Dr. Oh and our team at Madison Avenue Dentists are dedicated to helping patients achieve healthy and beautiful smiles through comprehensive treatment plans.

Enhance your oral health with implants

When traditional dentures are not an option, consider the benefits of dental implants. Book an appointment with dual-trained prosthodontist and cosmetic dentist Dr. Stella Oh in New York, NY to find out if implants are the right way to move forward. Madison Avenue Dentists can answer your questions about dental implants or other restorative options. Do not let missing teeth hold you back from living your best life. Call today.