Advances in Mental Health

Nearly 70 percent of people between the ages of 35 to 44 have at least one tooth missing. And the percentage of people with missing teeth keeps increasing along with the age of the population polled. This means that if you haven't lost a tooth yet, you likely will in the future. If you have already lost a tooth, there's a high likelihood that it won't be your last. People simply lose teeth as they get older; it's a fact of life. 

If you have a missing tooth, you have several options. You can do nothing about it or you can restore your smile with a partial denture, bridge or dental implant. Although the latter is the most expensive option, it may be your best. Following are three surprising benefits of dental implants.

Longer Life

People with a full set of teeth live eight to 10 years longer than people who are missing several teeth. There are many factors that contribute to this surprising fact. Not only do those without teeth suffer from nutritional deficiencies due to the fact that they can't adequately chew certain foods, they have a higher instance of periodontal disease, which can cause heart-related problems. 

Less Damage

Partial dentures and bridges are other options for closing gaps created by missing teeth. However, they can cause damage to nearby teeth. Take bridges, for example. Bridges are affixed to nearby teeth via a process that involves grinding the natural teeth. The damage associated with installation of bridges is permanent. Dental implants, on the other hand, are implanted directly into the jawbone and do not affect nearby teeth at all. 

Permanent Solution

Dental implants are a permanent solution. They feel and look like your natural teeth. You don't have to take them out to clean them, and they remain planted in your jaw unless something goes wrong. What's more, dental implants stimulate the jawbone, which results in maintained muscle mass in that area. One of the biggest problems associated with dentures is the loss of bone that occurs over time. With implants, there is no such loss. 

There's no doubt that dental implants will help restore your smile and your confidence. And they just might help you live a longer, healthier life. Furthermore, dental implants maintain the health of your remaining natural teeth and help keep your jawbone strong, two factors that are vital for a healthy mouth. If you have missing teeth, talk to a dentist, such as those at Joe Rosenberg, DDS, about all the benefits you could receive from dental implants.