5 Cool Things About Dental Implants

You might think that dental implants aren’t that noteworthy a treatment. They just replace natural teeth with artificial ones, right? That doesn’t seem like too big a deal.  After all, dentures and dental bridges can do that too.

On the contrary, though, implants have great features that help set them apart. Look at these five facts to see for yourself!

Treatment is Super Effective!

Dental implant treatments are famous for their high success rate of 95%. As a result of fusing with the jawbone, they nearly always hold steady and function with a strength similar to natural teeth. Implants also tend to have a long lifespan, reaching between twenty-thirty years with proper oral care.

Dentures and bridges can be good too, but their success rate is slightly lower. Furthermore, they only last between 7-10 and 5-15 years, respectively.

Implants Are Cavity-Proof!

Unlike natural teeth, implants won’t decay or suffer from cavities over time. Due to their titanium and porcelain materials, they’re resistant to damage from plaque and bacteria.

However, you should still clean them with a proper oral hygiene routine. Otherwise, the tissue surrounding the implant(s) will become infected or contract gum disease. Keep that from happening by continuing to brush twice daily and floss once daily!

Implants Will Boost Your Confidence!

Smile gaps hurt your appearance in the long run. By causing surrounding teeth to tilt, they cause further tooth and tissue loss. Left untreated, this will result in facial collapse, diminishing your confidence in your looks.

Dental implants can rectify this problem. Once placed, they keep teeth from tilting and stem the loss of jaw tissue. That way, they both restore your smile and make your face seem fuller and younger.

You Won’t Need to Change Your Diet (Much)

Once you’ve fully recovered from the implant procedure, you can basically eat whatever you want. Until then, though, you’ll need to be careful. The implant is still fusing to the jawbone during the healing process, so avoid hard foods that could interfere. Instead, stick to softer snacks so your implants will heal even more quickly. Here are some examples:

• Yogurt
• Applesauce
• Oatmeal
• Soup

Implants Don’t Have to Be Expensive

While they might have a high upfront cost, implants would likely save you money. For one thing, having them would mean you don’t need to pay for future treatments like bone grafting.  Plus, tooth preservation is sometimes more expensive than the implant process.

In the end, there’s more to dental implants than meets the eye. Seriously consider them if and when you need your smile restored!

About the Author

Dr. J. Peter St. Clair is a dentist practicing in Rowley, MA. A graduate of Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine, he was a Faculty Club member at Spear Education for over twenty years. Then and now, he has focused on expanding his dental knowledge through continuing education. His specialties include preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as Diplomate status with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. He currently practices at his self-titled clinic and can be reached by phone at (978)-948-2030.