When patients experience tooth loss, they often anticipate the physical consequences such as chewing complications and changes to speech. However, they are usually less prepared to deal with the mental consequences. Shame, embarrassment, and self-consciousness often emerge in both personal and professional interactions which can lead to stress, depression, and anxiety. Many try to avoid social interactions at all costs, which can lead to isolation and ultimately make the problem worse. Tooth loss can result in a spiral of physical and mental repercussions that gradually worsen over time, which is why quick and effective treatment is so important.

If you have experienced tooth loss, our team at Ormond Beach Periodontics & Implant Dentistry can help you through it. Nothing is better than the look of relief on our patient’s faces when we inform them of comfortable and permanent treatment options that can resolve tooth loss. We often recommend dental implants to fix the problem. Dental implants are a life-changing procedure that can restore your bite, your smile, and your confidence.

Many people consider implants to be one of the greatest achievements in modern dentistry, but the concept isn’t new. There is actually evidence that implants (in the form of bamboo pegs) were used more than 4,000 years ago in China. Of course, today the procedure has been perfected and it’s widely considered to be one of the best possible options for tooth loss. This procedure is truly capable of restoring your self-confidence because implants look, feel, and behave exactly like real teeth. Here are 5 specific ways implants can help to restore your confidence:

1. Dental Implants Make It Easier To Eat

Whether it’s dinner with friends or a business lunch, food is at the center of many of our social interactions. Unfortunately, when you’re missing teeth eating can be uncomfortable or even difficult. This can make it difficult to eat and socialize at the same time, which can add extra stress during mealtimes and make patients want to eat in isolation.

You don’t have to struggle with chewing for long. Dental implants function like real teeth, so they truly restore your bite. After the implants are placed and your gums heal, you’ll be able to resume eating all of your favorite foods with no pain or discomfort. You can get back to enjoying meals with the important people in your life once again.

2. Dental Implants Help You Maintain A Younger Look

One of the worst things about tooth loss is that it can cause the jawbone to deteriorate over time. This is because the jaw relies on regular stimulation from your teeth, and without it, the tissue begins to contract and atrophy. If left uncorrected, a deteriorating jawbone can actually change the shape of your face causing you to appear older. The longer the problem goes on, the more difficult it is to correct.

Unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants are “implanted” directly into the jaw, so they actually mimic real teeth. As you chew with implants, your jaw receives the stimulation it needs to stay strong and healthy. As a result, it will not atrophy and in some cases, it may even naturally regain tissue. If your jaw has deteriorated beyond the point at which it could support dental implants, your periodontist can do a bone graft. This innovative procedure involves lifting tissue from another area of the jaw and using it to strengthen the weakened portion.

Since they mimic real teeth, dental implants provide the stimulation necessary to help you maintain your facial structure and keep you looking young and healthy.

3. Dental Implants Restore Your Speech

Your front teeth are essential for articulating certain sounds. Tooth loss can actually change your speech and make it difficult to pronounce words. This is especially true of words containing S, Z, C, and CH. The more teeth you’re missing, the worse the problem is. Poor speech is yet another thing that can damage your self-confidence, especially from a professional standpoint.

Some solutions like dentures don’t fully correct the problem because dentures move, which means you’ll need to get used to them before your speech is fully restored. Dental implants are one of the only ways to correct your speech. They are shaped exactly like real teeth, so once they’re in, your speech will be instantly restored.

4. Dental Implants Restore Your Smile

Smiling is so important. It’s a natural reaction that releases endorphins and reduces stress. It’s also a friendly and welcoming signal to others and a key aspect in the development of personal and professional relationships. Your smile is also one of the primary ways we demonstrate confidence.

Patients with tooth loss do not want to smile. Because of their missing teeth, they’re afraid of being judged or perceived as if they do not care for themselves. Living life without smiling or consciously attempting to conceal your smile is not a good way to live. The good news is you don’t have to live like this.

During conversation, nobody will be able to tell the difference between your dental implant(s) and your real teeth. They look nearly identical. This is the one solution that allows you to return to your former self. Your smile will appear as it did prior to tooth loss, and you’ll be able to smile and communicate with confidence.

Dental implants can be a large investment and a lengthy procedure, so you don’t want to trust any provider. You want to choose a dentist who has a good reputation and is highly experienced in implant dentistry. Patients from all over Central Florida turn to award-winning periodontist Dr. Stuart Beauchamp at Ormond Beach Perio for dental implants. Our practice is known for its comfortable atmosphere, friendly demeanor, and professionalism. Our patients range from teens to seniors, and anyone in our community is welcome to schedule an appointment.

If your smile needs a refresh, don’t wait to correct the problem. Give us a call at Ormond Beach Perio today, and we’ll create a path to help you reclaim your confidence.