How Dental Implants Improve Your Bite and Chewing Ability

How Dental Implants Improve Your Bite and Chewing Ability

Are you tired of feeling self-conscious every time you sit down for a meal? Do missing teeth or dentures make it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods without pain, discomfort, or embarrassment? Fear not! Dental implants in Encino may be the solution you’ve been craving. These innovative tooth replacements not only enhance your smile’s appearance but also restore function and confidence to your bite and chewing ability. In this blog post, we’ll explore how dental implants can revolutionize the way you eat with ease and comfort. So grab a fork (or spoon) because things are about to get tasty!

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are commonly used to replace missing teeth. A dental implant is a small titanium post that is placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. The bone heals around the implant, and a small connector (abutment) is placed on top of the implant. This allows a dental crown or bridge to be securely attached to the implant.

Dental implants are strong and durable, and they look and feel like natural teeth. They allow you to eat all of your favorite foods without worry or discomfort, and they can greatly improve your chewing ability and overall confidence when eating in public.

Pros & Cons of Dental Implants

When you have dental implants, you can expect to enjoy a number of benefits:

• Dental implants are very strong and durable. They are designed to last for many years, and in some cases, they can last a lifetime.

• Dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth. This means that you can smile, laugh, and talk with confidence knowing that your teeth look great.

• Dental implants allow you to eat all of your favorite foods. With dental implants, you do not have to worry about your teeth breaking or crumbling when you bite into something hard or crunchy.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks associated with dental implants:

• The initial cost of dental implants can be quite high. However, the long-term costs associated with traditional dentures and bridges can actually be much higher than the cost of dental implants.

• The placement of dental implants requires surgery. This means that there is a risk of complications such as infection or nerve damage. However, these risks are typically very low and can be effectively managed by your dentist or oral surgeon.

Pros & Cons of Dental Implant and Dental Bridge

Different Types of Dental Implants

Implants are often categorized by their material makeup. The three most common types of dental implants are metal (titanium or steel), ceramic (zirconia), and polymeric (plastic). Each type of implant has different benefits and drawbacks. 

Metal Implants

Metal implants are the most commonly used type of implant. They are strong and durable and can support a large amount of force. However, they are also the most visible type of implant, so if esthetics are important to you, metal implants may not be the best option.

Ceramic Implants

Ceramic implants are made of zirconia, a strong and aesthetically pleasing material. Ceramic implants are less visible than metal implants, but they are also less strong, so they may not be suitable for people who chew hard foods or engage in strenuous activity.

Polymeric Implants

Polymeric implants are made of plastic, which is a softer material than metal or ceramic. Polymeric implants are the least visible type of implant, but they also have the shortest lifespan and are not as strong as the other two types.

The Procedure for Getting Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most effective ways to improve your bite and chewing ability. The procedure involves placing a titanium screw in your jawbone to act as a replacement for your natural tooth root. Once the screw has been placed, an artificial tooth is then attached to the screw, giving you a new, functional tooth.

The first step in getting dental implants is to consult with your dentist to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate, the next step is to have a CT scan or x-ray taken of your mouth in order to create a 3D model of your jawbone. This model is then used by the implant surgeon to determine where the titanium screws need to be placed in your jawbone.

The actual procedure of placing the titanium screws into your jawbone is typically done under local anesthesia and takes about an hour. Once the screws have been placed, you will need to wait for them to heal and integrate with your jawbone before the artificial teeth can be attached. This process can take anywhere from two weeks to six months.

After the healing process is complete, you will then return to have your artificial teeth attached. This part of the procedure is also typically done under local anesthesia and takes about an hour. Once the teeth are attached, you will be ably biting and chewing just like you would with natural teeth!

Impact of Dental Implants on Your Chewing Ability

Dental implants can have a significant impact on your chewing ability. In fact, they are the only dental restoration option that actually improves your bite and chewing ability.

Enjoy Favorite Foods

With dental implants, you can finally enjoy all of your favorite foods without having to worry about your teeth falling out or breaking.

Improve Your Speech

Additionally, dental implants can help to improve your speech and prevent you from feeling self-conscious about your smile.

Dental Implants Securely Attached to the Jawbone

They are securely anchored in the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for your artificial teeth. This leads to improved biting and chewing ability, as well as decreased risk of tooth slippage or instability common with dentures.

Natural Teeth

Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat and speak with confidence. With proper care, it can last a lifetime.

How to Properly Care for Your Dental Implants?

Caring for your dental implants is important to maintaining their longevity and function. Here are some tips on how to properly care for your implants: 

Brush and floss regularly: Just as you would with your natural teeth, it’s important to brush and floss your implants daily to remove plaque and bacteria. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste.

Be careful with what you eat: Avoid chewy or hard foods as well as sticky sweets that can cause the implant to loosen. Cutting food into smaller pieces can help make chewing easier. 

See your dentist regularly: It’s important to see your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. Be sure to let them know if you have any concerns about your dental implants.

Conclusion

Dental implants are a great solution for those who want to improve their bite and chewing ability. Not only can they help correct misalignments and restore the natural shape of your mouth, but also give you back your confidence in eating. With proper maintenance, the results of dental implants can last for years without needing any further treatments. If you’re ready to take control over your smile and reclaim your oral health, consider getting dental implants today!

FAQs

Dental implants are often seen as a solution for people who have lost teeth due to injury or disease. However, they can also be used to improve your biting and chewing ability. Here are some frequently asked questions about dental implants:

How do dental implants improve your bite and chewing ability?

Because dental implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, they can restore your bite and chewing function to close to what it was before you lost teeth. This is much better than relying on dentures or bridges, which can slip and cause you to bite or chew awkwardly.

Are there any risks associated with dental implants?

All surgical procedures carry some risk of complications, but the risks associated with dental implants are typically very low. Your implant dentist will go over all the potential risks and benefits with you before beginning treatment.