Dental Implants and Your Health

When considering one’s overall health, it is important to take into consideration both the physical and mental or emotional aspects of health.  It is also important to factor in the link between physical and mental health; often referred to as “the mind/body connection.”

How does this apply to dental implants?  The answer is that dental implants are good for both your physical health and your mental health.  Let’s start with the positive affect dental implants can have on your physical health.  Since dental implants allow for replacement teeth that function like natural teeth, patients with dental implants do not have to restrict their diets.  Unlike patients with dentures, patients with dental implants do not have to replace foods that are high in fiber and rich in nutrients with high fat, high carbohydrate foods that are easier to chew.  Studies have shown that eating a diet that is high in fiber-rich, nutrient dense food can help you to maintain a healthy weight, normal blood pressure and a healthy cardiovascular system.  Conversely, a diet that is rich in high fat, high carbohydrate foods has been shown to cause heart disease, diabetes, obesity and even some forms of cancer.

Now let’s talk about the affect dental implants can have on your mental health.  If you are currently wearing dentures or have worn them in the past, you have probably worried at some point about them slipping or falling out during social interactions such as eating, laughing and talking.  Many patients also worry that their dentures are easily detectable and do not look like natural teeth.  This can lead to a loss in confidence and can take the joy out of everyday activities.  Dental implants enable patients with missing teeth to have permanent replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.  This frees patients from fear and embarrassment and enables them to once again eat, laugh talk and smile with confidence.

Contact an Oral Surgeon to get more information about dental implants and how they may benefit you.  You will be glad you did!

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