Non-Cosmetic Reasons to Get Dental Implants

Dental implants are revolutionary in what they can do to restore your smile. They look and feel like natural teeth in your mouth, and are a stable, permanent investment in your appearance. There’s no question that implants make a huge difference.

While many people are aware of the cosmetic reasons to get dental implants, such as to replace unsightly missing teeth, there are also numerous non-cosmetic reasons to get them. In this blog, Dr. Thomas Sokoly of Sokoly Dental explains some of the non-cosmetic reasons for which you may want to consider getting dental implants.

They can prevent mouth pain

Having missing teeth is a leading cause of mouth pain. It may surprise you to learn that missing teeth can cause pain, since they’re essential to maintaining your face shape and jaw structure. When you don’t have teeth to support that shape and structure, it can result in weakening of the facial muscles and significant pain. 

Dental implants can prevent this pain by restoring teeth to their natural positions. Because dental implants combine a crown and a steel post in your jaw, they look and feel just like your natural teeth. 

They maintain your ability to chew and talk

Having missing teeth affects more than just the shape of your face. It also interferes with your ability to eat and speak normally. You may become used to compensating for the absence of missing teeth, but you do have an alternative: dental implants.

Because dental implants fill in the gaps left behind by missing teeth, you can eat and speak normally. 

You don’t have to worry about cavities

Some people are naturally more prone to get cavities (also known as dental caries) than others. No matter how good of a job you do at brushing and flossing, you still may get frequent cavities. While getting an occasional cavity filled is not a big deal, it can become bothersome and painful if you need to get them frequently.

Even dental restorations like crowns can get cavities, as tooth decay continues to occur around the tooth and the crown. Implants are resistant to getting cavities, which makes them a good permanent solution for those prone to dental caries.

They’re more comfortable than dentures

If you’ve lost enough teeth that you’re a candidate for dentures, you may have resigned yourself to a lifetime of discomfort with eating, and difficulty with speaking normally. This is one of the most revolutionary uses of dental implants, however: they can actually be used in place of dentures.

Dentures are well known for being uncomfortable to wear, especially in the beginning. They can move when you talk and eat, and chafe at the gums. Even using dental adhesive may not be enough to correct the problem. In addition, dentures have a limited lifespan — 5-7 years with perfect care. Dental implants are a permanent solution that won’t have to be replaced, and because they stand in for your natural teeth, they’re very comfortable to wear.

If you have missing teeth or other reasons to consider dental implants, we would love to talk to you and explain how we can help. Contact Dr. Thomas Sokoly at Sokoly Dental today by phone at 202-280-2428, or request an appointment online.