How dental implants protect healthy teeth

Opting for dental implants does more than just recover your smile and help you enjoy your favorite foods again. They can also protect and improve the health of your natural teeth.
Prevent jaw deterioration
Bone degeneration is a natural process that occurs when you lose a tooth and the socket sits empty, but it can be reversed with the installation of a dental implant. The titanium implant acts in the same way as the root of a natural tooth, imitating biting pressure in the jawbone to stimulate the growth of new bone tissue.
Keep your natural teeth from moving
If a tooth socket remains empty for too long, your mouth will slowly compensate by shifting teeth to fill the gap. Moving teeth can cause problems with your bite and lead to other dental issues. Replacing a missing tooth with an implant helps the rest of your teeth stay where they belong.
Lower the risk of tooth decay
Empty tooth sockets can be breeding grounds for bacteria and plaque. Missing teeth can also make it more difficult to brush and floss.
Prevent additional tooth loss
Every tooth is supported by adjacent teeth. When you lose a tooth the two neighboring teeth can be put under more pressure. Exposed teeth are more apt to suffer from a crack or break.
A stand-alone solution
Unlike other tooth replacement systems, such as a bridge, a dental implant does not require the installation of a crown on adjacent teeth.
Improved nutrition
Patients who are missing several teeth often resort to eating soft foods, robbing their body of the nutrients it needs. Returning your mouth to its fully functional form makes it easier to practice healthy eating habits. A more balanced diet will lead to strong oral and improved overall health.