Dental implants are often considered the pinnacle of dental restorations because they both look and function more like natural teeth than other options. Despite this, many people hesitate to move forward with treatment because they have a misunderstanding or heard false information. That means many patients miss out on the many unique advantages they provide out of fear! Keep reading to learn 3 interesting facts that you might not already know about dental implants so you can make an informed decision.
Fact #1: Dental Implants Are Cavity-Proof
There’s a lot of conflicting information about whether you need to worry about cavities with dental implants. They’re comprised of a support rod that’s inserted into your teeth which is covered by a tooth-shaped cap. Because the materials are artificial, they cannot get cavities.
It’s important to note, however, that it’s still possible for your remaining pearly whites to develop decay. To prevent it, brush and floss every morning and evening. This ensures that harmful bacteria are scrubbed away to keep your entire mouth in prime condition.
Fact #2: Dental Implants Are Highly Successful
Did you know that dental implants are one of the most successful surgical procedures? They have a 95% success rate, which is incredibly high. Not only that, but they restore up to 70% of your chewing ability compared to the 30% that’s restored with other methods, like dentures. Furthermore, if cared for properly, dental implants can last up to 30 years so they’re also a long-lasting solution. Their incredible resilience and efficiency are among the many benefits they provide.
Fact #3: Dental Implants Require Fewer Dietary Restrictions
This restoration is unique in that it’s inserted directly into the jawbone, so it doesn’t rely on your other teeth to remain put. It contains a support rod that will eventually fuse with your jaw through a process called osseointegration, then essentially function like a root. It usually takes 6-12 months for this process to complete, so you’ll want to be careful about what you eat during that time. Hard candies or crunchy foods, for example, could break them or hinder your healing after your surgery.
Once everything has recovered, you’ll be able to eat a much broader variety of foods than with other restorations like dentures or dental bridges. You won’t have to worry about anything becoming displaced or falling out mid-meal so more of the menu is available to you.
Now that you’re aware of some true information about dental implants, you and your dentist can work together on the best solution to restore your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Hasnain Shinwari has over 15 years of experience performing various surgical dental procedures and takes pride in transforming patients’ lives by rebuilding their smiles. He’s a board-certified oral surgeon who completed his initial dental education at the University of Peshawar in Pakistan. He then moved to the United States and received additional training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Boston University. If you’re interested in dental implants, he’s an expert! His dedicated staff are happy to help you schedule a consultation and can be reached on the website or by calling (703) 574-4717.