5 Important Facts About Dental Implants

Tooth loss often comes with negative experiences, physically and emotionally. It can cause pain, making it difficult to eat, and also affect self-esteem negatively. At a time, the few solutions available for missing teeth were dentures and bridges. Today, patients have the great opportunity of choosing dental implants as tooth replacement treatments. 

Dental implants are a life-changing teeth replacement option, and they have many benefits over other types of treatments. Although dental implants look, function and feel just like natural teeth, they are actually totally decay-resistant, and cannot develop cavities.

Here are 5 important facts to know about dental implants.

Dental Implants are as Strong as Natural Teeth

Dental implants do not only look like natural teeth on the surface, they are also as strong as the real thing, maybe even stronger. They are made from titanium, a biocompatible material, which makes them durable and long-lasting. For those who have lost bite power, dental implants are a great solution. 

Dental Implants do not Develop Cavities

Unlike natural teeth, implants are resistant to decay and do not develop cavities. This is one of the reasons why they last longer. Titanium, from which they are made, is a metal that does not get react to sugar. When the implant finally sets in, you can floss or brush it just like any natural tooth to maintain it.

Dental Implants are Anchors

People wrongly assume that dental implants are just like porcelain crowns. In reality, however, implants are shaped like screws and inserted in the jawbone. On insertion, the bone bonds naturally with the implant’s biocomposite material and grows naturally around it . Hence, implants act as artificial roots or anchors in the teeth and can serve as a base for adding porcelain crowns, dentures, and dental bridges.

Dental Implant Surgeries are Risk-free and safe

Many often panic at the mention of the word “surgery”, even when it’s about dental implants. However, dental implant procedures are safe and risk-free. Although old age and poor bone health may pose threats to success, complications in dental implant surgery are rare, and the reported success rate is as high as 98 percent. It’s not uncommon for patients to experience some facial swelling, bruising and slight pain at the site of the implant. Also, bleeding and gum sensitivity may occur post-surgery, but dentists will always offer help to hasten recovery. 

Dental Implant Surgeries Require Expert Consultations

Before a dental implant surgery can be performed, a dental surgeon has to carry out comprehensive examination on the patient. By this, they will be able to properly assess the patient’s jaw and teeth so a proper treatment plan can be made. A patient will also be given a copy of their treatment plan and expert instructions about planning for the surgery to ensure success. In most cases, a patient may be instructed to avoid eating or drinking prior to the surgery. 

Final Thoughts 

These important facts about dental implants are just a few things to know about this treatment plan. However, it’s totally up to a dentist to decide if a patient actually needs dental implants.