Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique advantages. Unlike alternatives like dentures or dental bridges, they are surgically embedded in your jaw for additional strength and security. That means they function as sturdy standalone structures that don’t rely on neighboring teeth or gum tissues to remain in place.
In fact, they’re so resilient they can even improve your dental health and contribute to a longer life. Continue reading to learn more about it!
How Does Tooth Loss Affect My Lifespan?
Did you know that heart disease has been the number one leading cause of death in the United States since 1950? Unfortunately, studies have shown that people who lose five or more teeth by the time they’re 65 years old are more likely to develop this condition. Also worth noting is that those who still have a complete set of teeth when they turn 74 are significantly more likely to live to see 100.
Although there may be additional contributing factors, it’s believed that gum disease may explain the relationship between dental health and whether you live a long and happy life. The earliest stage, gingivitis, is often preventable and reversible. However, if your condition progresses, your connective tissues eventually recede from your enamel, leaving your pearly whites without a firm enough foundation. Eventually, they can become destabilized or dislodged altogether.
Plus, gum disease can enter your bloodstream and contribute to other serious medical concerns like heart problems, diabetes, sepsis, and other issues. If these concerns are never addressed, they can become fatal, meaning that your oral health can affect your life expectancy.
How Do Dental Implants Impact My Longevity?
Did you know that missing teeth weaken your jawbone? Without a root in place to stimulate new bone growth when you bite down, you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding mass within 1 year of a tooth falling out. Eventually, it can become too frail to support your grin, resulting in additional tooth loss associated with a shortened lifespan.
Dental implants are the only restorations that prevent this process because they include a titanium rod surgically positioned directly in your jaw. Once in place, it stimulates new bone growth to keep your jaw active and healthy. Eventually, your mouth makes enough new bone to envelop and fuse with the metal rod during a process called osseointegration, making it a permanent part of your smile.
These prosthetics might be right for you if you’re seeking dental restorations that can improve your oral condition and potentially lead to a longer life!
Meet the Author
Dr. Joseph Hickey has 10+ years of experience helping people improve their daily quality of life by enhancing their dental health. He earned his dental doctorate from the Indiana University School of Dentistry and has pursued state-of-the-art training at the Implant Dentistry Continuum, so you can trust that your grin is in good hands. He combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to increase patient comfort while delivering lifelike results intended to last. You can request a consultation on the website or call (574) 277-4235.