Compared to traditional dentures, you may have heard that dental implants can look and feel more like your natural teeth. However, along with their aesthetic and comfort advantage, dental implants are also a healthier option. The reason stems from the fact that dental implants are more secure, which allows patients to eat a more balanced diet.
How are dental implants more secure? Unlike dentures, dental implants replace both the tooth and the tooth root. This is a distinctive advantage when it comes to preventing jawbone loss as well as allowing you to eat and speak with confidence. Dental implants involve a titanium post that is surgically placed in the jaw. A dental restoration, typically a crown, is placed on top of the implant after it has fused to the jawbone (a process called osseointegration). The result is a secure, long-lasting smile. Keep in mind that dentures can also be secured with dental implants.
Without dental implants to anchor prosthetic teeth, patients tend to gravitate towards a soft-foods diet out of fear that their dentures will slip out of place while chewing. Unfortunately, this denture diet is often full of carbohydrates and light on fibrous fruits and vegetables. A high carb diet is a major risk factor for diabetes, obesity and other health conditions. Maintaining a balanced diet with fibrous foods is especially important in the aging population. Therefore, the dietary pitfalls of dentures can become a significant health risk.
Dental implants allow patients to eat with freedom and confidence. Not only can you fill your plate with the foods you love, but you won’t have to eliminate the foods that are good for your body. To learn more about the health benefits of dental implants, please contact one of our experienced dentists at Park South Dentistry. We welcome the opportunity to replace your missing teeth with the best that modern dentistry has to offer!
