Dentures are the tried-and-true way to refurbish your mouth after tooth loss because they’re a versatile solution that can replace several or all your missing teeth. Even better, these prosthetics are made from lifelike materials that can be customized to match your natural grin. That means a single restoration can simultaneously improve your smile’s appearance and functionality.
However, recent studies have suggested that wearing dentures can negatively impact your overall health. Continue reading to learn more about why this can happen and how implants might help!
What Is the Impact of Missing Teeth?
When adult teeth go missing, it can significantly detract from your daily quality of life because basic tasks like speaking and eating suddenly become much more challenging. For instance, you might develop a lisp without a complete set of teeth or struggle to grind food thoroughly enough to be easily swallowed and digested. Some patients develop gastrointestinal issues from swallowing overly large pieces of their meals or develop malnutrition from trying to stick to softer foods that may not be as healthy.
How Do Dentures Affect Nutrition?
Dentures can restore a fair amount of your natural chewing force, and you might assume that means you can improve your general well-being by eating a healthier diet. Unfortunately, researchers have learned that’s not always the case. In fact, recent scientific studies have revealed that wearing these prosthetics is negatively associated with specific nutritional markers in the body.
During one experiment, a research team examined the dental records of more than 10,000 patients and compared that information with medical laboratory data that tracked different markers for malnutrition. Then, they compared the lab results from two years before participants received dentures to the findings from two years after they began wearing them.
Surprisingly, they discovered that people with artificial teeth experienced a significant decline in their nutritional markers over that time compared to those without them.
How Can Implant Dentures Improve My Health?
Dentures rely on a firm suction against your gum tissue to remain firmly in place, but when you’re actively chewing, they can become loose or fall out altogether. This leaves you more likely to swallow overly large pieces of food that aren’t thoroughly pulverized, so your body is less able to absorb key nutrients after swallowing.
If you’re struggling with a slippery or ill-fitting restoration, you might benefit from implant dentures. This method involves strategically placing four to six titanium rods directly into your jawbone to anchor a complete set of dentures. Your jawbone eventually fuses with these metal poles to give your prosthetics added strength and security so you can enjoy various wholesome ingredients.
If you’re unsure whether implant dentures are right for you, the best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with your dentist today!
About the Author
Dr. George Hoop has 30+ years of experience helping people improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Emory University School of Dentistry and has since pursued additional training in dental implants at the Pikos Institute, Misch International Implant Institute, the Dawson Academy, and the Pankey Institute. He’s an expert you can trust when it comes to rebuilding smiles! He takes the time to get to know your unique dental goals and concerns and then utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate treatments to help you reach them. If you’re considering dental implants, you can request a consultation on the website or call (239) 939-7299.