Dental Implants and Your Smile: Why You Should Be Thankful

Dental implants in Odessa offer a multitude of benefits you simply cannot achieve with other tooth replacement solutions. Designed to function like regular teeth, they not only improve oral health and bite force, but they also last significantly longer than dentures or fixed bridges. As you prepare for the holidays this year, read on to remind yourself as to why you should be thankful for your dental implants and the change they’ve made in your life.

Reasons to Be Thankful for Your Dentures

Unlike traditional dentures that require messy dental adhesive, can slip while eating or talking, and require removal for proper cleaning, dental implants offer far more advantages that make life much easier. Surgically placed into your jawbone, they fuse with your natural bone and surrounding tissues, allowing them to remain firmly in place for decades or longer.

Receiving dental implants can make a drastic difference in the way you live your life. Some of the benefits you’re probably already noticing include:

• The ability to eat without worrying about your restorations slipping or falling out.
• A stronger bite force, so you can enjoy all your favorite foods
• Improved oral health because of the continuous stimulation to your jawbone
• A more youthful appearance, as your implants fill in the gaps of your smile and prevent natural teeth from shifting out of place
• A restoration that is designed to last decades or even a lifetime with proper care
• An easy-to-clean solution that requires no special tools or products
• A worthwhile, cost-effective investment that doesn’t require frequent replacements like dentures or fixed bridges

How to Extend Their Lifespan

From the moment you received your dental implants, there is a good chance your dentist explained what you will need to do to keep them healthy and firmly in place for longer. While it is true you will be required to have your dental crown, bridge, or implant denture replaced over time, your actual posts should never need replacing.

To ensure your new smile lasts as long as possible, make sure you’re doing the following:

• Maintaining good oral hygiene. Just because your implants cannot decay does not mean the same can be said for your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing are necessary to prevent tooth decay and gum disease from occurring, both of which can negatively impact your implants.
• Avoiding hard, crunchy foods, as these can damage real and artificial teeth.
• Ceasing the use of tobacco products and smoking, as this weakens your immune system, making it difficult to fight off an infection.
• Wearing a mouthguard if you choose to engage in physical activities, as it will protect your real teeth and implants from potential injury or damage.

As you sit down this holiday season to count your blessings, don’t forget to add dental implants to your list. From the ability to eat with ease and smile with greater confidence, your new teeth are certainly something to be thankful for this year.

About the Author
Dr. Stephen Boyles graduated from Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry in May 2016 before joining his father, Dr. Franklin Boyles, in his practice at Boyles General Dentistry in June 2016. As a family-operated practice, Dr. Stephen and his father combine their unique talents to provide patients of all ages safe and effective dental care. If you are looking for a dental office to call home, visit our website or call (432) 366-0896.