Summer Foods You Can Enjoy with Dental Implants!

There are certain delights that are just synonymous with the warmer months. If you’re like most people, you have fond memories of eating hot dogs, hamburgers or some of the other more typical summer foods. Without a full set of teeth, though, it’s just not as fun as it used to be. While some of the traditional tooth replacement methods allow you to regain a portion of your functionality, they still come with a host of limitations. Thankfully, there’s a better solution – dental implants. Continue reading to learn about them and discover how they can help to make your summer fully enjoyable again!

What are Dental Implants?

Made from the highest-grade titanium, dental implants are cylinder-shaped posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. They are unique in that they are the only form of tooth replacement that doesn’t merely rest above the gum line.

The number of implants the dentist uses depends on the type of replacement you’re in need of – for a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full set. Here are the steps that will ensue:

• Initial implant placement – Once the implants are in place, you’ll need a few months to heal and for the posts to fuse with the existing bone (referred to as osseointegration).
• Addition of the abutments – Titanium abutments are attached to the implants that serve as anchors.
• Placement of the final restoration – A custom restoration (crown, implant-retained bridge or denture) is securely affixed to the abutments to leave a fully restored and functional smile.

How Dental Implants Allow for More Food Variety

Because implants aren’t subject to slipping and sliding in your mouth, you’ll be able to once again eat many of the foods that you love. The osseointegration process also plays a significant role in restoring up to 75% of your original chewing capacity.

That means you can look forward to eating corn on the cob, steak, watermelon and many other summer picnic delights. However, you’ll always want to ere on the side of caution, being sure not to bite down with extreme force and to carefully chew your food.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to avoid harder items like certain nuts, ice and popcorn kernels, as they could possibly cause an implant to unseat.

Dental Implants for a Long-Lasting Smile Restoration

As long as you take proper care of your implants, which includes brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day, your rebuilt smile can last 30 years or more. If you desire to make summer fully enjoyable again, it starts with reaching out to a local implant dentist to request a visit. Soon, you’ll be able to enjoy the many festivities and delicious treats that summer has to offer!

About the Author

Dr. Jason Kaopua earned his dental degree from Oregon Health & Sciences University. A consummate learner, he has completed advanced training in a host of areas, which includes dental implant placement. Dr. Kaopua understands that having a full set of teeth does more than provide a nice smile – it dictates the quality of life a person will have. Thus, he carefully places dental implants to restore full functionality at Albright Family Dental, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.