3 Reasons Why Implants Are Important for Your Oral Health

It’s estimated that about 92% of U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 have cavities. That is why the American Dental Association recommends adhering to regular dental care habits, like brushing teeth twice a day.

Once you extract the teeth due to decay, there may be a need to replace them to avoid further complications. Previously, only bridges and dentures were available for patients who had undergone a dental extraction procedure.

Your gums need to be healthy to provide a strong foundation for dental implants. Your dentist will evaluate your health to decide whether the procedure is suitable for you. Here are some of the reasons why it is critical to get a dental implant on time.

Prevent Bone Loss

Implants can reduce bone loss caused by extraction or from complications arising from chronic periodontal disease. The loss of volume starts at the alveolar bone that provides support for the teeth. Statistics suggest that in extreme cases, within a year after extraction you can lose up to 25% of your jaw bone.

Chewing stimulates the jaw and retains bone density. Misaligned teeth can leave gaps where chewing will not exert enough pressure on the gums. Inactivity in these areas forces the bone to resorb (or reabsorb). If you have aggressive periodontitis, without timely dental care, you could also lose the bone from infections.

Implants act as replacement roots so that the same pressure can be exerted on the gums as with natural teeth. It is not wise to wait long to get an implant. Rather, it should be done as soon as possible after the extraction. Otherwise, you may need to have your jawbone grafted to allow for a successful procedure.

Better Oral Health

Without implants, there are hardly any other options that would prevent bone loss. Most alternatives do not provide the pressure needed to reverse the damage. For people using dentures, there is the risk that the lower third of the face may collapse. As for bridges, they often require some teeth to be modified to create extra room for replacements.

Implants require minimally invasive procedures that leave most of your teeth and jaw intact. It also has a success rate of 98.6%. Implants, therefore, are the best option to safeguard your overall oral health.

Comfort

Implants feel comfortable on your gums and are permanent. After an extraction, the rest of the teeth can shift out of place. Dentures can make them shift even further. Because of their poor fit, dentures also tend to cause slurred speech.

Implants feel natural and fit tightly into the jaw. They have a titanium root that fuses with the bone over time. That means there is virtually no risk that the teeth will shift after the procedure. They are also convenient and do not require taping or fixing. Implants make regular dental care much easier than dentures or bridges.

Conclusion

An implant is the best replacement for your teeth after an extraction. They prevent bone loss, are convenient to use, and regular dental care is easier. A periodontist can evaluate your oral health to determine the best course of action for a successful procedure.