Don’t accept missing teeth as a natural part of getting older. In reality, missing teethput you at risk for further tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and even facial collapse. Fortunately, Dr. Jeff Helmus will be able to determine whether you’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure. A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root (typically made of titanium) used to anchor a crown.
Continue reading to learn how dental implants can help you feel confident while looking years younger. For more information, call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Helmus, our dental implant dentist in Wyoming, MI.
Are Dental Implants Worth It?
Dental implants are worth it because they make you look younger and improve your oral health. Your body is able to sense when you lose a tooth, absorbing minerals from your jaw to use elsewhere. Over time, your jaw loses the structure it once had and will collapse in on itself. Facial collapse can make it difficult to wear dentures comfortably and makes you look older than your chronological age.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Improve Self-Esteem
Do you hide your smile? People who are confident and happy are often perceived as younger than their chronological age. You deserve to have a smile you feel confident showing off, which is why we may recommend a tooth implant to fill a gap in your smile. The better you feel, the younger you’ll look.
Replace Missing Teeth
If you recently lost a tooth, Dr. Helmus may recommend the dental implant procedure. Not only do missing teeth compromise your oral health, but they can make you look older than your chronological age. For example, you may be showing your age if you avoid foods that are sticky and/or hard to chew. Having a tooth implant means you’ll be able to continue eating your favorite foods without worrying about slipping dentures.
Prevent Further Tooth Loss
Teeth are held in place by tooth roots and nearby teeth. This means that when you lose one tooth, you’re at risk for losing more. Over time, your remaining teeth will loosen and tilt toward the empty socket. The best way to prevent further tooth loss is to fill the gaps in your smile. Our dentist is able to place as many dental implants as you need.
Prevent Bone Loss
Your jawbone needs pressure from tooth roots to stay healthy. Otherwise, your body will start to absorb minerals from your jaw to use elsewhere. To your body, there’s no point in a jawbone if there are no teeth left to support. A tooth implant solves this issue by giving your jawbone tissue the stimulation it needs.
If left untreated, jawbone deterioration will lead to facial collapse. Facial collapse happens when the jaw loses so much bone density that the face appears sunken or shriveled. Dental implants help you avoid facial collapse so you can keep the face shape you had when you were younger.
Avoid Dentures
Unlike dentures, dental implants won’t slip while you eat, talk, or smile. Dental implants are more stable than other tooth replacement options because they’re fused to your jaw. Our patients usually report having better self-esteem after getting dental implants. Dental implants look and function like natural teeth, which means you won’t feel as self-conscious about your smile.
Dr. Helmus is a dental implant dentist in Wyoming, MI. To request an appointment and learn if you’re a candidate for dental implants, call River Ridge Dentistry at (616) 538-7320.