As kids, we’re supposed to lose our teeth. Those baby teeth create a space for permanent teeth that will begin making their presence known around the time your child turns seven. But permanent teeth are intended to be permanent, just as their name implies. So when adults lose their teeth prematurely, it can be problematic. Adults who are missing teeth should speak with their dentist about tooth replacement options. Your dentist in Edwardsville, IL, will likely tell you that dental implants are one of the best options available.

Dental implants look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have an average of 25.5 remaining teeth, compared to the 32 that they started with. Though most adults have their four wisdom teeth removed when they are younger, this statistic implies that many adults have as many as three other teeth missing. And, missing teeth can cause a variety of oral health and overall health issues.

• An aged appearance compared to your actual age
• Poor jaw function, which can create a malocclusion (bad bite)
• Bite alignment issues
• Excessive wear and tear on remaining teeth, which need to work harder
• Teeth may shift into the gaps left behind by missing teeth
• Jawbone loss
• Hindered chewing ability

For these reasons, your dentist will recommend restorative dentistry and various tooth replacement options if you are missing teeth. The most common alternatives to replacing missing teeth include dentures, implant-supported dentures, bridges, and dental implants. Dental implants, in particular, bring so many benefits to the patients who get them. And with such a high success rate, we recommend you consider dental implants too.

Consider these five reasons to get dental implants.

With advances in dental technology and highly skilled dentists, such as Drs. Hite and Kniffin at Hite Family Dentistry, patients today don’t need to live with missing teeth. So, if you are considering your options, here are five reasons to put dental implants at the top.

1. Dental implants lessen your risk of health problems associated with tooth loss.

Aside from the problems we listed earlier, leaving gaps in your mouth that are vacated by missing teeth can exacerbate other issues too. People with missing teeth are more likely to develop gum disease, and gum disease can lead to health issues like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.

2. Eat and chew all your favorite foods again.

When you are missing teeth, it can be hard to eat certain foods. Your favorites, including raw vegetables, nuts, saltwater taffy, and even chewing gum, as well as hot beverages like coffee, hot chocolate, and tea, are essentially off limits. Though some of these foods aren’t bad for you, if you have several missing teeth, your diet may be restricted to foods such as scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies, flaky fish, yogurt, soup, and oatmeal. Once you have healed from your dental implant surgery, you’ll have no food restrictions and can once again enjoy a healthy, balanced diet.

3. Implants make it easier to practice good oral hygiene at home.

Brushing and flossing can be frustrating when you have missing teeth, especially if your remaining teeth have shifted into those gaps left behind. Crooked teeth are more complicated to floss, making it more challenging to remove food particles that inevitably get stuck in between. And, when these food particles remain between your teeth and gums, your risks for tooth decay increase significantly. Your implants will look, feel, and function like natural teeth. You’ll be able to practice good oral care at home by brushing twice a day, flossing between all your teeth daily, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash.

4. Your appearance will improve.

Have you ever noticed how people missing several teeth seem to have a sunken look on their faces? The jawbone can deteriorate by as much as 50% in the first year of a missing adult tooth. Your titanium implant will fuse with your jawbone (a process called osseointegration), which will make your face look fuller again. And a fuller face can make you look younger and healthier.

5. Regain stability with dental implants.

As we’ve shared, when you leave those gaps from your missing teeth, your adjacent teeth lose stabilization. They begin to shift into the areas left behind, and they don’t usually stay straight in the process. Your dental implants will effectively keep your other teeth in position. And as a result, you’ll be less likely to experience further tooth loss, especially when you practice good oral care at home and visit your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and oral evaluation.

Hite Family Dentistry can help determine if dental implants are the tooth replacement option for you.

If you are missing a tooth or have multiple missing teeth, we want to help. We’ll discuss your tooth replacement options with you. If you aren’t a candidate for dental implants, we can pursue dentures or a bridge. In any case, you don’t have to live with missing teeth. Request an appointment today, so we can help you begin your journey to a happier and healthier smile.