Dental implants have a transformative effect on the way you feel about your smile, your oral health, and your physical health. Dental implant surgery offers immediate benefits; however, they have long-term benefits that make them worth the money and time invested. Below are the long-term effects of dental implants Carmel, NY that you may experience if you consider these dental restorations:

A More Youthful Look

Missing teeth can alter your facial look over time. This can happen because of jawbone loss and facial muscle tone loss in your jaw and cheeks. This can result in early aging, facial sagging, and wrinkle development. Tooth implants prevent such issues from happening by keeping your face full and looking young. Even if it has been a while since you lost your teeth, implants can still provide you with a younger facial appearance.  

Confidence Boost

Losing a tooth can lower self-confidence, particularly if it is a visible tooth. Implants fill the gap left behind by the missing tooth and help you gain back confidence in your smile. They feel stable and you may forget that you have a prosthetic tooth. With implants, you do not need to have a removable restoration that constantly reminds you of the tooth you lost. 

Jawbone Density Preservation

When you lose a tooth, the bone beneath it loses the stimulation it needs. Your jaw depends on the root of your tooth to stay strong and dense. A dental implant mimics the stimulating function of your natural tooth root. After the implant surgery, the implant is allowed enough time to fuse with your jawbone. Once the fusion period is completed, your implant will function like a tooth root and a crown will be placed over to complete the restoration. 

Well-Aligned Bite

When your jawbone density is preserved, your bite will be properly aligned. Your bite refers to the way your teeth and jaw fit together. It is essential for optimal oral function and health. When your bite is misaligned, you can experience jaw pin and TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder. Also, a misaligned bite can affect your everyday life in several ways. Implants preserve your bite. 

Clear Speech and Comfortable Chewing

Speaking and chewing are associated with proper bite alignment. Tooth loss makes it difficult to chew food properly, resulting in gastrointestinal problems and nutritional deficiencies. Everyone wants to speak freely without discomfort; however, tooth loss can impact how you pronounce some words. Implants help you keep your speech pattern and chew food properly. They let you consume the foods you love without restrictions.

Straightforward At-Home Care

Caring for dental implants is like caring for real teeth. This means following a standard oral hygiene routine including brushing your teeth twice every day for two minutes, thoroughly flossing teeth every day, and using a mouthwash. Caring for your smile helps prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Reduced Risk of Other Oral Health Problems

As dental implants function like natural teeth, they help decrease your risk of oral health issues related to tooth loss. When you get implants, you reduce your risk of jawbone loss, malocclusion, and facial distortion. 

Long-Lasting Solution

With good care at home, implants can last for decades without needing replacements. The crown placed over the implant is the prosthetic tooth that may require a replacement over time. However, it should last several years before this happens. 

If you have missing teeth, your dentist can guide you through a dental implant makeover. As they assess your oral health situation, they will examine your smile, determine your eligibility for implants, and walk you through the process. Your dentist will help you make an informed decision about your oral health.