Can Dental Implants Lead to a Higher Life Expectancy?

These days, there are plenty of options to replace your missing teeth. However, dental implants are the most widely preferred by dentists and patients alike. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, dental implants don’t just sit on top of the gums. They also bring back the root structure of missing teeth, enabling them to look, feel, and function like the genuine article. But that’s not all – dental implants have been linked to a higher life expectancy! Keep reading to learn three reasons why dental implants may help you live longer.

Lower Your Risk for Gum Disease

Flossing underneath a dental bridge can be difficult, making it easier for bacteria to thrive in that space. Additionally, it can be hard to thoroughly clean dentures. As a result, traditional tooth replacements are often associated with a higher risk of gum disease. Symptoms of gum disease may start out fairly mild, like redness, tenderness, and bleeding when brushing or flossing. However, gum disease can greatly increase the risk of various systemic conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.

With dental implants, oral hygiene is essentially the same as it is for natural teeth. You should be able to brush and floss them as you did before tooth loss. Therefore, you won’t be at additional risk for the potentially fatal health issues linked to gum disease.

Eat a Healthier Diet

When you’re missing several teeth, or you’ve replaced them with a bridge or denture, you avoid certain foods because they’re difficult to chew. Unfortunately, these foods include crunchy fruits and vegetables, which are rich in fiber, contain essential nutrients, and are linked to improved cardiovascular health. If you’re unable to eat these foods, you might end up with nutritional deficiencies and overall health problems.

Dental implants restore almost all of the biting and chewing power you had with your natural teeth. Plus, you can count on them to stay firmly in place, unlike dentures that may slip. With dental implants, eating a healthy diet should be a snap!

Boost Your Self-Esteem

Having gaps in your grin from tooth loss can take a toll on your self-confidence. While dentures and bridges fill these gaps, they don’t address an underlying consequence of missing teeth – jawbone loss. Without the tooth roots to stimulate the jawbone through biting and chewing, it starts to deteriorate, leading to a wrinkled, aged facial appearance.

Luckily, dental implants can prevent this problem. They stimulate your jawbone just like real teeth, helping you enjoy a confident, youthful glow. As a result, you’re more likely to engage in health-boosting activities, such as exercising and socializing with loved ones.

By replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, you can enjoy not only a longer lifespan, but also an improved quality of life. Talk to your dentist today to get started!

About the Author

Dr. Matt VanderMolen has been a trusted dentist in Springfield, IL for more than 30 years. He has earned a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry as well as a Mastership of the American Dental Implant Association. At Advanced Dental Care of Springfield, he is able to surgically place dental implants himself, making treatment more convenient for patients. To learn more about how dental implants can improve your life, contact Dr. VanderMolen at 217-546-3333.