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North Carolina barbecue isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. It’s a plate piled high with tender, slow-cooked meat, a drizzle of sauce that’s been perfected over generations, and a side of slaw that balances every bite. It’s not just about the food, though. Barbecue here brings people together. A backyard cookout, a roadside joint with a hand-painted sign, or a crowded table at your favorite spot, there’s something about sitting down to a plate of barbecue that feels right. And no matter how often you have it, that first bite always hits the same way. But enjoying barbecue—savoring it—means being able to eat it without hesitation. That’s something many people don’t think about until missing teeth or slipping dentures make it harder to take a bite or enjoy the experience. At Carolina Dental Arts, we help people in Durham rediscover the joy of eating with dental implants.
The Effects of Tooth Loss
Our teeth and jaws are designed for variety. Strong enamel, sturdy molars, and sharp incisors work together to break down everything from crisp vegetables to lean proteins. The jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint provide the strength and flexibility needed for proper chewing, allowing us to enjoy a well-balanced diet. But when tooth loss occurs, this natural system is disrupted. As a result, once-enjoyable foods are difficult, if not impossible, to eat.
- Dietary restrictions: Many nutrient-rich foods—like fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats—require strong chewing power. Without all of your teeth, these foods may become difficult to eat, leading to a diet lower in fiber, protein, and key vitamins.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Studies have linked tooth loss to lower levels of essential nutrients, including vitamin C and iron. These deficiencies can weaken the immune system, slow healing, and contribute to fatigue.
- Weight management issues: Poor chewing ability can lead to unintentional weight loss due to decreased food intake. On the other hand, some people may gain weight as they turn to high-calorie, processed foods that require little effort to eat.
Tooth loss doesn’t just affect what’s on your plate; it can change your overall health. Many people shift toward softer, processed options that are easier to eat but lack essential nutrients. Over time, this creates a cycle where missing teeth contribute to poor nutrition, worsening oral health and leading to further tooth loss.
Dental Implants in Durham, NC
Chewing depends on strong, stable teeth; that stability comes from their roots. Tooth roots anchor each tooth in the jawbone, absorb and distribute bite force evenly, and stimulate the surrounding bone to maintain its strength and density. Without roots, teeth would be unable to withstand the daily pressures of biting and chewing. When a tooth is lost, its root is also lost, disrupting this entire system.
Dental implants provide the only true solution for restoring lost tooth roots. A dental implant is a small titanium post we place into the jawbone, where it functions like a natural root. Unlike traditional tooth replacements that sit on the gums, an implant fuses directly with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. During this process, bone cells grow onto the implant’s surface, creating a secure, load-bearing connection that allows the implant to function as a permanent part of the jaw.
This fusion makes dental implants the most reliable way to restore chewing power. Integrating with the jawbone provides the stability necessary for biting into tough or fibrous foods, just as natural teeth would. The implant absorbs and distributes chewing forces evenly across the jaw, preventing excessive pressure on neighboring teeth.
Mini Dental Implants vs. Traditional Implants: How Are They Different?
At Carolina Dental Arts, we offer two types of dental implants: traditional implants and mini dental implants. Understanding the differences between these options can help determine which solution best suits your needs.
Traditional dental implants are about 5 millimeters in diameter. They provide a strong and durable foundation for crowns, bridges, and dentures. However, their larger size means they require a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone for placement. If a patient has experienced significant bone loss, a bone graft may be necessary to rebuild the jaw before we place a traditional implant.
Mini dental implants, which are less than 3 millimeters in diameter, provide a reliable alternative for patients with insufficient bone volume. Their smaller size allows us to place them in areas where traditional implants may not be viable, often eliminating the need for bone grafting. Despite their compact design, mini implants deliver excellent stability and support for tooth replacement options, functioning much like traditional implants.
Explore Your Options With Dental Implants in Durham, NC
Missing teeth or unstable dentures shouldn’t dictate what you can eat or how you feel about your smile. Strong, secure teeth are essential for both nutrition and confidence, and dental implants offer a lasting solution. At Carolina Dental Arts, we provide implant options designed to restore chewing power and improve oral health.
Our team is here to help you find the best option for your needs. Schedule a free consultation today and enjoy the comfort, function, and confidence of a complete smile.
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