When you think about dental implants, you may often focus on their ability to restore your smile. However, there is now a body of research that suggests that missing teeth are linked to shorter lifespans. So, could having your teeth replaced with dental implants actually help you live a longer life?
Continue reading to delve into how these artificial teeth may contribute not only to a longer life but also to a better quality of life overall.
Prevent the Loss of Other Teeth
Dental implants have a surprising additional benefit over other forms of dental restoration. Namely, they replace the entire tooth—root, and all. This allows the implant to stimulate the jawbone it’s fused to, maintaining its density.
Without this maintenance aspect, your jawbone would begin to deteriorate slowly. This gradual thinning of your jawbone could otherwise lead to additional tooth loss.
Protect From Disease
Another common tooth replacement dentists perform is Dental bridges. The downside to this treatment is that the prosthetic replacing your teeth is fused, making it harder to clean. Since floss can’t easily be used on these fused teeth, there is an increased risk of bacteria and gum disease by extension.
Gum disease has been linked with lower lifespans and a host of other medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Avoiding these conditions will go a long way in extending your life.
Help You Eat a More Balanced Diet
It’s difficult to eat foods that would otherwise be good for you like fruits and vegetables while you’re missing teeth. These foods contain nutrients that you need for a long and healthy life. The greater your diet diversity, the more vitamins and minerals you consume naturally.
Dental implants help you regain overall tooth functionality. This will allow you to eat a greater variety of foods, especially over dentures—another common tooth-replacement treatment.
Find Improved Quality of Life
It’s not just physical benefits you’ll enjoy with dental implants. With a fully restored smile, you’ll also gain confidence in social situations and more self-esteem when you look in the mirror. According to multiple sources, including the Canadian Mental Health Association, your physical health is closely related to your mental health. Improving one has major benefits for the other.
So, as you can see, there many benefits to dental implants that can improve your health and life expectancy. While they’re not a magical solution, they’re the closest thing that modern dentistry has to it. If you’re missing teeth, contact your dentist and schedule a consultation for dental implants. They just might help you live a longer life!
About the Author
Dr. Joshua A. Holcomb is a bright and talented dentist who strives for clinical excellence. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the UT Memphis College of Dentistry and has since continued to expand his skills into prosthodontics, implantology, conscious sedation, endodontics, and more. With a wealth of knowledge, Dr. Halcomb seeks to help all of his patients get the smiles they deserve. To schedule a dental implant consultation at Joshua Holcomb DDS, call (901) 850-0300 or visit the website to explore other services.