One More Really Great Reason to Choose Tooth Implants

September 16, 2017

If you have been keeping up with our blog at all, you know we’ve written again and again about the benefits of tooth implants. That’s because we really can’t stress enough how excellent this tooth replacement option is compared to any other method. Next to a fixed bridge or traditional denture, there’s really no contest in terms of stability, appearance, comfort, and long-term financial investment. Well, to continue with one of our favorite topics in this week’s blog post, we’ve got one more awesome benefit of dental implants: they’re great for your overall health.

Healthy Bone = Healthy Body

Dental implants are made out of materials that naturally integrate with your body. That means after the surgical placement of the implants, the jawbone will gradually grow around the posts, helping them become “one” with your body. It is this fusion — the process we call “osseointegration” — that promotes better oral and overall health for a lifetime to come with dental implants. Without stimulation provided by the teeth roots, the jawbone lacks the nutrients and blood flow it needs to thrive. But dental implants bring that crucial stimulation back! When the jawbone stays healthy, it’s strong enough to facilitate a balanced, nutritious diet — no more avoiding crunchy vegetables or healthful protein because you’re worried about whether or not you’ll be able to chew it. And one perhaps softer benefit to overall health is that, by allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with ease, dental implants may reduce stress and increase self-confidence after tooth loss.

Dental Implants: Over 98% Successful

The health benefits of dental implants are clear — but is the procedure risky? What if they fail? The good news is that when performed on an eligible candidate (someone who is in good oral and overall health) by an excellent surgeon, dental implant procedures are more than 98% successful. That’s an impressive number. Given the significant benefits of dental implants, they are quickly becoming the most popular choice for people who have experienced any amount of tooth loss. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry estimates that 3 million people have had their smiles restored with implant dentistry — and that number is only growing. With more dental practices adding implants to their list of services, it is important for patients to remember the benefits of choosing a specialist, like a periodontist or an oral surgeon, to perform the implant placement. The implant procedure requires extreme precision, and you will want to make sure you are in the best, most qualified hands — especially if you have a more complex case.

About the Authors

Dr. Steve L. Koo and Dr. Thomas M. Weil are experts in dental implant dentistry. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons serving the greater Houston area, each doctor offers a wide knowledge base spanning a number of oral procedures — including the placement of dental implants. To learn more about this comprehensive tooth replacement option, including your candidacy for the procedure, we invite you to contact the office at (713) 597-7340.