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Learn how implants protect your healthy teeth

Dental implants are an excellent way to replace missing teeth with a natural-looking, fully-functional prosthesis but did you know that dental implants have other benefits for the remaining natural teeth? Dental implants protect your healthy teeth in several ways.

1. Implants do not damage adjacent teeth

Many patients opt for a dental bridge when choosing a tooth replacement solution. A bridge may offer lower upfront costs and can usually be installed by your regular dentist but a dental bridge comes with downsides. Bridges require the two teeth on either side of the gap to be worked on in order to anchor the new crown. This means that two healthy teeth will now require caps in order to replace your missing tooth. With dental implants your replacement tooth is fully supported by the titanium post that is implanted and fused to your jawbone to recreate your natural root. The adjacent teeth on either side of the gap go untouched.

2. Avoid orthodontic treatment

Leaving a missing tooth untreated can cause the remaining teeth in your mouth to drift and move over time. If your teeth shift too much, your bite can be affected and you may need orthodontic treatment to get your teeth back into their natural alignment. Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant as soon as possible will help to keep your healthy teeth right where they belong.

3. Protect your jawbone

Dental implants prevent bone deterioration in your jaw by providing the right pressure and stimulus on your bone tissue when you chew, thus maintaining the jawbone structure. Over time, bone loss below your missing tooth can destabilize adjacent teeth and lead to additional tooth loss.

4. Prevent cavities and gum disease

Keeping your mouth clean when you have a missing tooth can be difficult because bacteria collects inside the gap. Because dental implants are cared similarly to your natural teeth, replacing your missing teeth will make it easier to maintain the same level of oral health you always have, which protects your healthy teeth and gums from infection and decay.