Dental implants are a revolutionary tooth replacement system that enables you to have replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. Their positive effect on a recipient’s overall appearance, confidence and self-esteem are widely recognized. However, you may not have stopped to consider their positive effect on your overall health.
Natural teeth are able to exert up to 250 pounds per square inch (PSI) when biting forcefully. For normal chewing, natural teeth exert a pressure ranging anywhere from 45 to 75 PSI. With dentures, the average PSI is reduced dramatically. For this reason, many denture wearers have a hard time eating and properly digesting certain types of foods. As a result, they are forced to change their eating habits and reduce the amount of or eliminate altogether the foods that are harder to chew. Unfortunately, the foods that are eliminated are often the foods that are rich in fiber and nutrients such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Many times, these foods are often replaced with softer foods that tend to be higher in carbohydrates and calories. Over time, this nutritional imbalance can contribute to health problems such as overweight, obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
Dental implants serve to replace missing tooth roots and are anchored securely into the jawbone in a process referred to as “Osseointegration.” During this process, the titanium screws actually become fused with the jawbone. For this reason, replacement teeth that are affixed to dental implants are able to exert a chewing pressure that is similar to natural teeth. Patients with dental implant-supported replacement teeth do not have to change their diets and are able to eat fiber-rich foods that are dense in nutrients and lower in calories and carbohydrates. Eating a nutritionally balanced diet is a very important component of overall health. By allowing you to eat foods from all of the food groups, dental implants can have a positive effect on your overall health as well as improving your appearance and your quality of life.
If you currently have missing teeth or are tired of wearing dentures, please call Pure Dental Health today and schedule a consult with Dr. Justin Scott. Our friendly staff will be happy to provide you with more information about dental implants as well as the financing options that are available.
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