A complete smile is necessary for proper chewing, digestion, and a healthy diet. Through nutrition, you can improve your oral health and body wellness.
When your smile is intact, you can choose healthier foods—crunchy vegetables, complex foods, and whole grains—which aid in dental health and overall wellness.
Let’s explore, through frequently asked questions, how tooth replacement, specifically dental implants, aids in nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants and Nutrition
If you have additional questions not addressed here, never hesitate to contact your Lodi or Elk Grove, CA, dentist for guidance. We’re always happy to help our patients make the best choices for their smiles.
Q: Why Are Dental Implants Better for Nutrition Than Dentures?
A: Dentures are an excellent choice for tooth replacement, but they can loosen and slip over time. This can cause a rocking motion when chewing crunchy or hard foods like carrots or celery. This can make indulging in healthier foods challenging.
Because dental implants replace your tooth and root, you have a solid foundation that works with your bite force. This means no dietary restrictions or difficulty with complex foods.
Q: How Does Chewing Aid in Digestion?
A: When you’re able to chew food correctly, it allows the body to break down and absorb vital nutrients. If food is not broken down correctly, it can cause gas, bloating, and fatigue.
Q: What If I Have Complete Tooth Loss?
A: Complete tooth loss makes chewing nearly impossible. However, dental implants are still the best option to restore chewing force. We encourage you to talk to the dentist about implant-supported dentures in Lodi or Elk Grove, CA. This means we implant approximately four to six artificial tooth roots and attach a low-profile denture to these implants.
This method restores chewing, and you’ll not have to worry about the fixed denture rocking or tilting.
A Healthy Diet after Dental Implants
Now that you have implants, you can adopt a healthy diet and bring back foods you thought you’d never eat again.
Nuts
Nuts have a satisfying crunch and are an excellent source of protein.
Carrot Sticks and Celery
Carrots and celery contain many nutrients, but the crunch can also contribute to moving debris away from teeth, almost like nature’s toothbrush.
Cheese
Low-fat cheese is an excellent source of calcium, but when teeth are missing, it can be challenging to chew! With dental implants, you can bring all types of cheeses back into your diet.
Apples and Strawberries
Apples can be acidic, so brushing and flossing are so important. However, apples and strawberries help keep teeth clean and promote saliva production, neutralizing harmful acids in the mouth.
About Dental Implants in Lodi and Elk Grove, CA
When replacing missing teeth, dental implants are the first choice of most dentists. They are the gold standard because they offer full-anatomy replacement—root and crown.
The first step is a comprehensive assessment with the dentist. We want to ensure that implants are suitable for your needs and goals. If they are, we arrange your tooth replacement surgery.
This is not a painful undertaking, as your dentist uses strong anesthesia to ensure your comfort during implant placement. After placement, you may notice mild discomfort later in the evening after the anesthesia wears off. This is easily treatable with over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or ibuprofen. Typically, the mild discomfort only lasts a few days.
The next step is healing or integration. Over the next few months, the implant posts will integrate into the jawbone. This creates a solid foundation for your replacement tooth or fixed prosthetic.
After your tooth or prosthetic is attached, your implant treatment is complete, and you’re free to enjoy your new smile and indulge in all your favorite foods!
Dental Implant Care
Always follow all aftercare instructions provided by your dentist. But as a rule, dental implants don’t require special upkeep. They are so much like natural teeth that you treat them as such.
- Brush and floss at least twice daily.
- Visit your Lodi or Elk Grove, CA, dentist at least twice yearly.
- Talk to your dentist if you grind your teeth (bruxism).
- Wear a mouthguard if you’re an athlete and competing.
- Report any concerns or mouth changes to your dentist.
Even if you have full-mouth prosthetics, you must see your dentist every six months for checkups. It’s crucial to your gum health, which must remain intact to keep your implants healthy.
Gum disease can lead to implant failure and further tooth loss. Additionally, it has been linked to physical health issues involving the heart, lungs, and more. Practicing healthy habits is key.
Contact Your Implant Dentist in Lodi or Elk Grove, CA
Call our team today to learn more about dental implants or arrange a consultation with the dentist. Also, ask a staff member about our exclusive membership club and special financing options through LendingClub Patient Solutions and CareCredit financing.