HOW DO DENTAL IMPLANTS AFFECT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH?

20th Aug 2019

HOW DO DENTAL IMPLANTS AFFECT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH?

Missing teeth actually affect far more than just your cosmetic smile. While you can feel a little self-conscious about the gap in your teeth, there are actually some underlying health implications to losing and not replacing a missing tooth. Having implants to fill these gaps, however, could greatly benefit your dental health! How is this possible? Well, here at Abbey House Dental in Staffordshire we show you just what the diverse world of health benefits associated with dental implants have.

Help prevent gum disease

When you lose a tooth, or multiple teeth, areas of your gums that were previously hidden or occupied are now left vulnerable. They’re exposed to the elements, those elements being bacteria, food debris and saliva. Bacteria and food debris can nestle in the newly opened gaps, primarily at the bottom of your teeth that connect with gums and can be hard to reach when brushing. These bacteria can cause the onset of gum disease, which sees the gums becoming swollen, red, puffy, sensitive, and even bloodied at times. You could even risk losing another tooth if the gum disease itself is left untreated and spreads to the neighbouring teeth which is not what want to happen. Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant, or multiple gaps with dental implants, helps to keep these exposed areas covered, protecting your soft tissue.

Help prevent decay and cavities

Missing teeth don’t just leave your gums exposed; however, they also expose the sides of your neighbouring teeth that would previously be covered by the missing tooth. Food debris, bacteria, and plaque can build up around the walls of your neighbouring in unforeseen areas that are difficult to clean. When left alone, bacteria eat away at your protective enamel and creates decay and cavities. This may lead to the need for further dental treatments, such as root canals, or even threaten the integrity of the tooth. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants therefore seals off the neighbouring teeth walls from as much bacteria exposure, helping to keep them free to cavities.

Stop your teeth from drifting

When a new gap opens, your teeth don’t always play by the rules. Your teeth apply constant pressure to each other, letting one and other know where they sit in the jaw. Losing a tooth means that your teeth neighbouring the gap could drift out to alignment because they are no longer being kept in check. The new irregularity in your teeth has the potential to cause bite issues, difficulty eating, and even jaw pain should it really sway your alignment.

Protect the health and strength of your jawbone

Your teeth and your jawbone enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship. Each tooth has a root that feeds into the jawbone that lets the bone know that the tooth is still very much alive and in place. Your jawbone then remains strong and functional in order to support this tooth, and vice versa. However, losing a tooth cause the root to die and the jawbone to stop receiving the signals from the particular area. This leads to the jawbone weakening because it is not strictly needed underneath that tooth anymore, threatening the surrounding bone and risking further disruption to the healthy teeth.
Dental implants in Staffordshire don’t just save your smile, but they can do a world of good for your continued dental health too. Get in touch with us here at Abbey House Dental to book your appointment today.